At a press conference in Ankara, Ayşegül Doğan, spokesperson for the Peoples’ Equality and Democracy Party (DEM Party), assessed the current political situation, the government’s budgetary and social policies, and the latest developments in the peace and democratization process. The statement was made following a meeting of the party executive committee.
With regard to the economic situation, Doğan described the impoverishment of broad sections of the population in Turkey as the result of a lack of equality and justice. She criticized the decision on the new minimum wage – 28,075 lira which is below the poverty line – as insufficient and called for an increase to at least 46,000 lira.
Second phase of the democratic process initiated
Doğan discussed the ongoing political talks within the framework of the “process for peace and a democratic society” in detail and described it as progressing well, despite some public doubts. “We have left the first phase behind us. For us, the second phase means legal regulations that secure and legitimize the political ground,” she explained. “Despite everything, the process is continuing. Now is the time for all political actors to work together on the necessary legal reforms instead of clinging to demands for exclusion or symbolic red lines.”
Legal reforms and dialogue as the basis for justice
The DEM Party spokesperson emphasized that a socially acceptable solution was only possible on the basis of constitutional equality and legally guaranteed participation of all social groups. The political process, she said, must therefore be supported by legal measures for disarmament and civil conflict resolution. Doğan pointed out that some parties avoided using the term “Kurdish question” in their reports to the parliamentary commission. She criticized this approach as unrealistic and said: “The Kurdish question is real. In Turkey, they may not call it that, but internationally they certainly do.”
Turkey should play a constructive role in Syria
Doğan called on Turkey to play a mediating and constructive role in the Syrian conflict. Dialogue with the Democratic AutonomousAdministration of North and East Syria (DAANES), the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), and other actors is central to promoting regional stability, she underlined.
“What is portrayed as a threat today can be turned into an opportunity through dialogue,” Doğan said. Minorities such as Alawites, Druze, and Kurds should not have to live under constant threat, but should find security and participation in a pluralistic and decentralized model. The long-term strengthening of democratic structures in Syria would also benefit Turkey and the entire region, she emphasized.
Leyla Zana was not chosen at random
At the end of the press conference, Doğan also commented on the public incitement against Kurdish politician Leyla Zana, who has recently been the target of sexist and racist slogans at soccer games. “The name Leyla Zana was not chosen at random, any more than the symbols of white Toros vehicles were once chosen. Those who attack her are not only attacking an individual, but what she represents: Kurdish representation, dignity, resistance,” said Doğan. She called for a united front against these attacks, saying; “Those who feed on hatred, violence, and confrontation will lose if we stand together.”