Seeking reconciliation, softening, and normalization

In recent days, the discourse of softening and normalization has become the defining agenda of Turkey.

As is known, there was also an unfounded process of seeking reconciliation before the presidential election.

The preamble of the Constitution states that 'the absolute supremacy of the national will, the fact that sovereignty belongs unconditionally to the Turkish nation, and that the person or institution authorized to exercise it on behalf of the nation cannot go beyond the liberal democracy and the legal order determined by its requirements as set forth in this Constitution, and that, as a requirement of the principle of secularism, sacred religious feelings shall absolutely not be mixed with state affairs and politics.'

Since coming to power in 2002, the AKP has disregarded the aforementioned fundamental principles from the very beginning, embarking on a reckoning with the democratic, secular, and social state of law, and has damaged the peace of society, justice, and the understanding of human rights to an irreparable extent.

During the AKP's 22-year rule, all the achievements of the republic founded by the Great Leader Atatürk have been destroyed, and the corruption, poverty, and bans that were promised to be abolished have reached their peak.

In a country attempted to be governed by religious references, the worst picture in the history of the republic has begun to be experienced in the economy, and scandalous developments in almost every field, especially law, education, and security, have begun to be reflected in the public eye.

As for the main opposition's call and efforts for reconciliation; for reconciliation to take place, the person who has violated the rights of others must have met the conditions for seeking forgiveness, and the person whose rights have been violated must agree to forgive the perpetrator.

Considering the role of the CHP, which has not been able to properly hold power since the transition to a multi-party system in 1945, in matters of reconciliation, it is not possible to speak of any responsibility on its part that would require such reconciliation.

Since rituals of reconciliation that involve a simplistic demand for peace regarding issues for which one is not responsible cannot be expected to find a response in society, the reconciliation efforts of CHP Chairman Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu have remained fruitless.

The existence of individuals who have been subjected to direct or indirect state violence is the greatest obstacle to the realization of reconciliation.

A call for reconciliation made by those who can confront their extensive crimes, take responsibility for their actions, and engage in genuine self-criticism contributes to social peace.

For this reason, Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu's call for reconciliation is not a correct step, as the person who needs to reconcile is the one who committed the error.

I predict that segments of society that experienced great grievances in the recent past with the contributions of the Fetullahist gang will be extremely stingy when it comes to granting forgiveness.

The term 'softening' in politics belongs to President Erdoğan.

Abandoning harsh rhetoric and polarization between the government and the opposition will certainly find a response in society.

However, how successful can the government, which has a very extensive past record, be in this regard?

On the other hand, normalization is only possible through the resolution of economic, social, and psychological losses; how feasible is that in the near future?

Our country has begun to experience a state that is beyond normal, or in dictionary terms, an extraordinary situation.

When we look at the past softening and normalization efforts of the government, which pursues utilitarian policies, we see that it has not been well-intentioned at all.

For this reason, for the opposition to be swayed by the government's rhetoric and support normalization efforts would be nothing more than naivety and will not find resonance among the citizens.

As can be seen from any survey conducted, the Turkish public does not approve of the opposition's stance on softening and normalization, just as they did not regarding the 'helalleşme' (seeking reconciliation) initiative. Indeed, after the reconciliation experience, Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu also warned the CHP.

The government, which has put the country into irreparable distress through misguided domestic and foreign policies, must take responsibility for this situation and attempt to resolve the problems it has caused on its own.

Seeking reconciliation, softening, and normalization should never be the problem of the opposition, but rather that of the government.

The Turkish voter sees that the government cannot pull Turkey out of the vortex it has entered, but they also see that the opposition cannot resolve these problems.is waiting for it to reveal the ways to achieve this.