The Party Assembly of the Peoples’ Equality and Democracy Party released the final declaration of its meeting held on April 11–12 in Ankara.
DEM Party stated that the deepening wars in the Middle East have not only regional but also global impacts.
It described the policies pursued by the United States and Israel as a “war of hegemony,” noting that the heaviest price in this process is paid by the peoples.
The party emphasized that the struggles of all peoples in the region for freedom, equality, and democracy must be supported.
Peace process a ‘historical necessity’
“One of Turkey’s most fundamental issues is the democratic resolution of the Kurdish question and the establishment of social peace. At this stage, the path taken is not merely a political choice; it is also a historical necessity for the country’s democratization, economic prosperity, and social cohesion,” the statement said.
In this context, DEM Party called for legal reforms, the removal of obstacles to democratic politics, an end to trustee appointments, and the release of political prisoners.
The declaration stressed: “As long as democratization is not achieved, the economic crisis becomes permanent, while lawlessness and authoritarianism deepen social polarization. Without internal peace, neither social peace nor historical fraternity can be secured against external threats.”
What needs to be done for genuine peace
The DEM Party listed the steps required to achieve genuine peace and advance the process as follows:
– Necessary legal regulations should be brought to parliament’s agenda without delay.
– A comprehensive law for a resolution should be enacted with the participation of all segments of society.
– Obstacles to democratic politics must be removed.
– Trustee practices must end, and dismissed mayors must be reinstated.
– Political prisoners must be released, and regulations in line with democratic legal norms must be implemented.
– A Law of Peace guaranteeing social peace must be enacted.
Free and effective working conditions must be ensured for Abdullah Öcalan
The declaration stated: “Society no longer expects words but guarantees. Society no longer wants promises but law. Society no longer wants uncertainty but concrete will,” and continued:
“For the institutionalization of peace, we reiterate that free and effective working conditions must be ensured for Mr. Abdullah Öcalan, and that a democratic and legal framework must be established in which he can directly share and discuss his ideas with society, political institutions, and relevant circles.”
The declaration also criticized the increasing number of femicides and male-dominated policies, emphasizing the need to strengthen the women’s freedom struggle.
Referring to the economic crisis, the declaration argued that poverty, insecurity, and income inequality are the result of political choices and stated, “there can be no democracy without economic justice.”
Call for May Day
The DEM Party called for participation in May Day demonstrations under the slogan “Bread, Peace and Justice,” announcing that demands for labor, democracy, and peace would be voiced in the streets.
Turkey is at a new crossroads
The declaration concluded: “As a result, Turkey is at a new crossroads. Either crises will deepen through insistence on deadlock, polarization will grow, and social decay will increase; or a new future will be built on the basis of democratic solution, social consensus, and peace that will pave the way for the well-being and prosperity of the peoples. At this historical juncture, the DEM Party will continue to stand for peace, democracy, labor, freedom, and the will of peoples to live together.”
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