The Peoples’ Equality and Democracy Party (DEM Party) Deputy Parliamentary Group Chair Sezai Temelli evaluated current political and economic developments during a press conference held at the parliament.
Temelli stated that the gap between society’s expectations and the laws adopted by the parliament is steadily widening, adding that the country’s problems cannot be resolved unless this gap is closed.
Women’s killings not being addressed
Temelli said that three motions his party submitted to parliament regarding women’s killings, women’s health and women’s employment were rejected by the votes of the Justice and Development Party (AKP) and the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP). Temelli stressed that women’s killings constitute a serious problem in Turkey and recalled that, according to official figures, 67 women were killed in the first 70 days of the year.
Newroz call
Temelli also announced that his party has declared its Newroz (the Kurdish New Year) program and that celebrations will take place in 53 centers. He said, “From here, I invite everyone, all the peoples of Turkey, workers and women, to gather in the Newroz squares. Let us come together there and express our demand for freedom and democracy more strongly, all together.”
Call to end “conspiracy trials”
Temelli also referred to a case being heard in Silivri and described the trial of 401 people, including Ekrem Imamoğlu, as a “conspiracy trial.” He also highlighted that 106 people have been in detention for a year and said that Turkey must function as a state governed by the rule of law.
Wars in the region
Temelli also addressed the ongoing wars in the Middle East and stated that the peoples of the region should live in peace. Temelli pointed to recent developments in Iran and said that both authoritarian governments and imperial interventions harm societies. Temelli said, “Unless a country achieves democracy and the rule of law, it will continue to be a ground for wars. Our greatest hope and wish is for this war to end as soon as possible, for Iran to achieve a democratic regime, and for the region to reach peace.”
Criticism of the parliamentary agenda
Temelli argued that the National Parks Law currently being debated in parliament will open natural areas to commercial use instead of protecting them. He also stated that the omnibus bill under discussion does not include the expected regulations for pensioners, students and those insured under Bağ-Kur (self-employed social security scheme).
Public expectation for a special law
Temelli pointed to the special legal regulations expected to be introduced as part of the ongoing process and said there is a serious expectation within society on this issue. Temelli said, “At the moment, whether they are imprisoned on criminal or political charges, everyone expects the implementation of an equal execution law that does not contain discrimination.”
Reaction to economic policies
Temelli also criticized the government’s economic program, stating that the policies being implemented have created a heavy burden on workers and pensioners. He noted that citizens’ purchasing power has declined significantly due to rising inflation and the economic crisis, adding that the current economic program has failed.
Temelli said, “They are not taxing those who should actually be taxed, and they are not closing the budget gap where it should be closed. By continuously placing the burden on the poor and workers, and claiming they are fighting consumption inflation, they have left nothing on people’s tables. The program has failed once again, because they are creating an illusion.”
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