The “Peace and Democratic Society” process, carried forward under the leadership of Abdullah Öcalan for a democratic solution to the Kurdish question, represents a significant threshold both in Turkey and at the regional level. Öcalan’s historic calls are seen not only as political and strategic proposals, but also as a strong declaration of will to overcome the paradigm of armed conflict.
Despite the time that has passed and the various initiatives put forward, it is evident that a lasting, inclusive and sustainable solution has yet to take clear shape. In the face of the unilateral and concrete steps taken by the Kurdish Freedom Movement, the absence of a strong and determined political will on the part of the state; the failure to establish a legal and institutional framework for the process; and the continued avoidance of direct, open and transparent negotiations with Abdullah Öcalan and the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK), the main actors of the process, remain serious structural obstacles to resolution efforts.
In this context, Lorena Lopez de Lacalle, President of the European Free Alliance (EFA), which brings together nearly 40 political parties from 19 different countries within the European Parliament, spoke to ANF and answered questions regarding the process.
A process sustained by the efforts of Abdullah Öcalan
You have been closely following the process for over a year regarding the democratic resolution of the Kurdish question. Despite the time that has passed, concrete steps from the state side have yet to materialize. How do you assess the current stage?
First of all, it would not be accurate to say that no progress has been made. The first point that must be emphasized is that this is not a process initiated solely between the PKK and the Turkish government, but also one carried out together with the democratic forces of the parliament in Ankara. The support of civil society for the process is extremely important. This is a very, very good starting point. And this starting point, of course, is based on Abdullah Öcalan’s call in February 2025 for peace and a democratic society.
I believe progress has been made. However, in such peace processes and moments of political transition, it is always necessary to be very patient, because a change in mentality takes time. Indeed, the dissolution of the PKK has taken place, and this was also positively received by Erdoğan. In addition, the parliament has established a commission in which different political parties are represented.
This commission is of fundamental importance for firmly embedding peace processes. Of course, the global situation has been quite turbulent over the past 14 months. But I believe it is necessary to remain optimistic and to recognize positive developments, because there are positive signs both in Turkey and elsewhere. For example, Iraq recently elected its new president. This gives us hope. Therefore, in this process of peace and political transition, patience and hope are, in my view, two key concepts.
I am from the Basque Country, and I experienced a unilateral disarmament process aimed at ending violence there. I think that Abdullah Öcalan’s leadership and his awareness of the right strategic moment, the political moment, make this process irreversible. Today, I believe we have a much greater chance compared to 2015. The PKK is showing great generosity in order to make this process succeed. At the same time, this process is supported by many activists from civil society and political parties. This gives the process a real opportunity. It is always necessary to emphasize the generosity of the Kurdish side. Because when we speak about the Kurdish population and its implications in other countries, we must also take into account recent developments in Syria.
Erdoğan’s recent position supporting attacks against Syrian Kurds has not helped the peace process. However, despite this, the light of peace has not been extinguished, and this has made it possible to reach an agreement, even if temporary, with the transitional government in Syria. This gives us hope, because it means that peace can prevail over everything else. But it is necessary to continue working.
Change is possible when people mobilize
How should we interpret the Turkish state’s, and specifically the government’s, reluctance to take concrete steps while at the same time expressing a desire to continue the process? Is this a delaying strategy, or a reflection of regional developments on domestic politics?
I would say it is both. Because there are always strategies and tactics. However, peace processes must always be evaluated within the existing concrete geopolitical context. Today, in my view, the most revolutionary thing is to speak of democracy and peace. Everyone knows this. Therefore, even from Erdoğan’s perspective, I believe there is a significant interest in emerging strongly from this process once the war in Iran ends, and in presenting himself as a leader who can open the minds of his people, the entire Turkish society, to the possibility of a genuine peace. So, I do not think this is a possibility he completely ignores.
However, the state, the current regime that has been in power for many years, is not limited to Erdoğan; the Turkish regime is a structure that goes beyond him. We experienced this in Spain. It is difficult, but not impossible. Even today, we see examples of long-standing powers, such as in Hungary.
Change becomes possible when people mobilize. When does this happen? When everyone unites in favor of democracy and peace, and against corruption. The same fundamental principles always apply. This is what makes the situation worth examining. For this reason, I think it may currently function in part as a delaying tactic, a way of waiting to see how developments unfold.
However, although Turkey is a member of NATO, Donald Trump’s approach toward NATO, effectively abandoning Europe and moving toward an autocratic line focused solely on Americans, can, in fact, be seen as a positive sign for Europe. It may be negative for Americans, but from the perspective of Europe as a whole, it is positive.
Europe and European countries need to become more independent. Considering countries like Turkey on Europe’s borders, and especially Turkey’s geopolitical position as a bridge between East and Asia and the West, there is a need for actors who can play a role in building peace.
The right to hope must be implemented
One of the indispensable points of the process from the perspective of the Kurdish Freedom Movement is the freedom of Abdullah Öcalan, whom they recognize as the chief negotiator, and the legal recognition of his role in the process. How should these demands be interpreted?
The participation of Abdullah Öcalan in the negotiations is, in a sense, already present, and this is positive. However, the place where Öcalan is truly needed is outside. Because he is the one who holds authority, and his presence in this process is indispensable.
For this reason, there is a need for a legal framework, as also demanded by all parties working within the commission established for the peace process. This framework should implement what has been raised by the Council of Europe and the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR), namely the ‘right to hope’ for Abdullah Öcalan. The right to hope must be put into practice through legal regulation. This is extremely important, because a legal ground capable of ending all the consequences of the conflict must be established.
To put it plainly, the main actor of this process and the person who initiated the call is Öcalan. This was a unilateral step, but it was also met with a response from Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. Therefore, it is absolutely necessary for Erdoğan to recognize Öcalan as his real counterpart.
It should also be considered from the perspective of the political counterpart. If I place myself in the position of Erdoğan’s government, it also needs Öcalan. Because the message of peace and coexistence within a new, democratic Turkish state must reach all segments of society. For this shift in mindset, Abdullah Öcalan must be outside, not inside.
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