Constitutional remarks from Tuncer Bakırhan! He also responded to Erdoğan's alliance statement: 'It will certainly come before us'

DEM Party Co-Chair Tuncer Bakırhan made evaluations regarding the constitutional discussions that have returned to the agenda in Turkey. Speaking to T24's Gökçer Tahincioğlu and Ceren Bayar, Bakırhan stated, "At the end of the day, this constitution will come before us. If it does not contain the resolution of the Kurdish issue, democratization, and justice in the economy, who would say yes to it?" thereby establishing a clear stance on the process.

"WE ARE PERSISTENT IN THE 'THIRD WAY'"

Bakırhan stated that the DEM Party is not part of any political bloc. "We have always said 'third way' until now. We have been walking on this line for 15-20 years. We have not been part of any bloc or one of the two parties. We are trying to explain and organize our own unique path," he said.

Emphasizing that the collaborations made with other parties during election periods were tactical, Bakırhan said, "Our paths crossed in the 'City Consensus' and in the Presidential election where Kılıçdaroğlu was the candidate. This was part of a strategic success. But apart from that, we have maintained our independent and unique politics."

RESPONSE TO ERDOĞAN'S "CONSTITUTIONAL ALLIANCE" REMARKS

Evaluating President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan's words, "AK Party, DEM, MHP, we are walking together," Bakırhan stated that such statements were made to confuse the public. "Will the constitution be made before the election or not? One must ask this first. Is a constitution written easily? Some circles are trying to muddy the waters," he said, implying that such declarations contain political manipulation.

"LET THEM SAY IT OPENLY: ARE THEY AGAINST THE RESOLUTION OF THE KURDISH ISSUE?"

Bakırhan stated that some political circles are manipulating the new constitution discussions without talking about the content, and made the following call:

"Let them come out and say openly, 'I am against this process where the resolution of the Kurdish issue is being discussed.' I would respect that. But constantly reheating the same things and putting them before the public is not a solution."

"THE CENTURY-OLD ISSUE IS NOT BEING DISCUSSED"

Arguing that Turkey's fundamental issues that have remained unresolved for a century are not being addressed as they should be in the public eye, Bakırhan said, "There is an issue that is the source of this country's political and social decay and economic crisis, but the essence of the matter is not being discussed. An important tool of the 50-year conflict process is being removed, but there is very little political wisdom that sees this positively. Everyone relates this to the future of a person or a party. Yet the issue is much deeper and more comprehensive."

"We made an effort for the government to lose"

Bakırhan said, "We did not elect the government. On the contrary, we made an effort at the time for the government to lose. We did not support Mr. Erdoğan, who is the President today. Our base openly voted for his opponent and declared this. To say that a political party that has expressed its stance so clearly on every platform can carry out secret agendas behind closed doors is to blatantly distort the truth. We see this issue as being above elections and above parties. We are not at a point where we measure this issue with percentages to be obtained in elections. This issue is far more valuable than individuals and parties."

"We cannot move forward by reading intentions"

When asked whether the government is approaching the process sincerely, Bakırhan said:

"But we are not a party that comes to be forced or is dragged somewhere by force. That is why we speak with this self-confidence. We are not a tradition that works to get the votes of Kurds on one hand and signs a racist protocol that denies the Kurd on the other. We own our own truth in prison, on the gallows, and in every field where we struggle. Why should we do something secretly? Also, what does the government sitting at the table think right now? We cannot know this. Are they waiting for something to come out of this, are they trying to drag us somewhere? We cannot read their intentions, we cannot move forward by reading their intentions. Politics is not done by reading intentions. Our intention is clear. Let the Kurdish issue be resolved through democratic means. Let us achieve Turkey's democracy problem and democratization together. This is our primary goal. What else could it be?

There is no democratic judiciary, no law, people are uneasy, they do not know what will happen to them, where, or when. If even an ordinary citizen thinks they are being watched or listened to, it means a psychological pressure has formed in society. Therefore, what does the government hope for from this process, what is its purpose? We cannot know this, that is a separate issue. We are still at the beginning of the road. It is not right to predict this, that is, to read minds. But we want Turkey to democratize, to achieve its social peace, and for the issues that decay us economically, politically, and socially to disappear. We are working for this. If a ballot box is to be set up at the end of the day, let the will of the people be taken as the basis in that ballot box. What does it matter if we are a party to it? In a place where there are 86 million people, does a party win or lose just because one party is a party to it?"

"The constitution will come before us at the end of the day"

Bakırhan made the following evaluations regarding the constitutional discussions:

"We define the constitution as a social contract. That is, is a constitution something that other parties or society will accept through one party imposing itself? If a party prepares a social contract that will determine the coming decades of the country according to its own interests and future, will others comply with it, are they obliged to comply? Therefore, this discussion is a discussion brought up by opponents of the process. Our party does not have such an agenda for now, it does not have such priorities. There is a problem of justice, law, freedom, and justice in the economy in Turkey; if these are solved, and then they say 'Let's also make a democratic constitution' in the country, and if society also says 'let them make it,' we will of course take the expectation and demand of society into account that day.

I would also like to say this to the Turkish public; this constitution will come before us at the end of the day. If there is no resolution of the Kurdish issue there, no democratization, no women, no things that promise hope for the future of young people, no equal citizenship rights for Alevis, no justice in the economy, and if nature destruction continues, who would say yes to this? Would the DEM Party say 'yes' to this? Some people keep reheating this and presenting it to the agenda of society. Instead of doing this, let them come out and say openly, 'I am against this process where the resolution of the Kurdish issue is being discussed.' Look, I would respect that."

"Who is suggesting that we will attach ourselves to someone?"

Bakırhan continued his words as follows:

"When we are meeting with Mr. Öcalan, there are no agendas such as the constitution, elections, or supporting a party. On the contrary, we have a goal of governing this country. For God's sake, can't Selahattin Demirtaş, Figen Yüksekdağ, Tülay Hatimoğulları, Keskin Bayındır, and Çiğdem Kılıçgün Uçar govern Turkey? What are we missing compared to them? Would people who are more communal, more populist, more pro-labor, and who have paid a price govern worse? Who is suggesting that we will attach ourselves to someone, that we will support someone's politics? Why shouldn't we govern? Are we governing the Diyarbakır Metropolitan Municipality worse than the Ankara Metropolitan Municipality?

We have 25 years of experience in local governments. Have you heard of a single friend of ours being mentioned in connection with corruption? We govern together with the people. With a transparent, democratic logic that includes everyone. Today, Turkey should focus on the historic moment when weapons are laid down. It should focus on the democratic resolution of the Kurdish issue. It is to focus on creating a democratic ground where we can all breathe. Telling who will get where in the elections to be held three years from now while we are still at the beginning of the work does not describe us."

"I respect CHP's hesitant approach"

Bakırhan also evaluated the call made by CHP's Presidential candidate Ekrem İmamoğlu from prison, which contained messages directed at the DEM Party and MHP. Stating that they understand the concerns of the CHP and İmamoğlu regarding the process, Bakırhan continued:

"Let me express this; I respect the fact that the Republican People's Party approaches this issue with concern and hesitation due to the pressures they have experienced in the recent period. While operations continue on one hand, and mayors and administrators are being arrested, it is of course very normal for them to ask: Will peace be like this? Will democracy come like this? We also say this to the Republican People's Party and Mr. İmamoğlu: as long as each of us struggles in our own neighborhood, in our own periphery, in our own circle, we encounter such negativities. If we can say common democratic judiciary, law, justice, freedom, a democratic country, a democratic republic on a common ground, rest assured we would not experience any of what we are experiencing right now. If we are experiencing something right now, the reason is that we stand in separate places. Concerns grow most in abstract discussions. Because of this, it is necessary to expand our common struggle areas. Because concerns melt away in common gains.

The resolution of the Kurdish issue and the democratization of Turkey is a bigger, more valuable issue than the AK Party, MHP, CHP, and all political parties. We did not integrate with anyone to separate. And the ruling alliance also states that there is no such integration, no alliance situation. Just as we did not integrate with the CHP with our voting preference in Istanbul in 2019, we are not integrating with the ruling bloc today. In this respect, every party can serve social peace by preserving its differences. Peace does not come from parties resembling each other, but from meeting on common denominators and democratic principles despite their differences.

We all need to be at the table for the bad course in the country to stop. We need to support this process. This is not just the DEM Party's problem. The Kurdish issue is Turkey's problem. It is not a process that only concerns us. It is not independent of democracy, it is not independent of a democratic Turkey. If we say democracy, if we say a democratic judiciary, if we say let the will elected by the people govern, we must hold this table despite everything, we must sit down by force. No one should come to that table with gratitude or invitation. They should come because Turkey needs it."

"Those who run away from the mat lose"

Stating that staying out of the process carried out regarding the resolution of the Kurdish issue would be a serious loss for Turkey, Bakırhan emphasized that the CHP should take an active role in this process. Stating that they met with CHP Chairman Özgür Özel, Bakırhan pointed to the importance of dialogue grounds in politics and said, "The table is like a political wrestling mat. Those who run away from the mat lose. If we want to win peace, we need to be on the mat."

Saying that it is understandable that the CHP approaches the process at a distance due to the pressures it has experienced, Bakırhan said, "I find this approach justified due to the recent pressures on the CHP. However, just because the government might want to write the resolution process to its own account in this matter, should we say let us not take part in this process?"

Emphasizing that the CHP has a historical responsibility, Bakırhan made the following evaluation:

"The CHP, due to its founding values and historical mission, has the responsibility to address the Kurdish issue with its hundred-year accumulation. It should evaluate the issue not as a reaction to periodic crises or the government's daily political maneuvers, but as the cornerstone of Turkey's democratization. A lasting social peace and understanding of equal citizenship would be the stance that best suits the CHP's historical identity."

Stating that all actors should take responsibility in Turkey's search for resolution and peace, Bakırhan said, "Not showing the will for a resolution in a 100-year-old issue, not taking part at the table, would be the greatest evil to be done to Turkey. This is a great loss not only for the Kurdish people but for the entire society."

Stating that society still has difficulty in concretizing concepts such as democratic integration, Bakırhan explained the change that will occur if the process reaches success:

"If the process is successful, if it is not put on the shelf, if the opposition gives support; the resources spent in Turkey will not go to war, but to the laborer, to the oppressed. Corruption will end, a democratic judiciary will be formed. People will wake up every morning without fear that their doors will be knocked on. Their property and assets will not be confiscated. Trustees will not be appointed. There will be transparency in tenders."

"Turkey will be a model for the Middle East"

Bakırhan stated that the results of the process will not be limited to domestic politics, and that Turkey could become a regional example in terms of democracy:

"If this process concludes successfully, Turkey's democracy will also be a model for the region. Women's massacres, environmental destruction, ethnic and sectarian marginalization will end. It will no longer be a country where the Kurd and the Alevi are ignored. A system will be established where everyone lives freely, goes to the ballot box, and respects the results."

Emphasizing that democratization will also bring respect for the will of the people, Bakırhan said, "Society will bring what it does not like with the ballot box and take it away with the ballot box. No one will discuss the election results. This is the basis of a real democracy environment."

"Our concern is to conclude the process successfully"

Stating that there may be a cautious approach among some members regarding the process, Bakırhan stated that they find this situation natural and said, "There may be friends who have some hesitations about this process and stand in cautious optimism. This is a very human and politically understandable situation. However, with the Call for Peace and Democratic Society, the idea of common word, common action, and common march within the party has strengthened. Our concern is to conclude the process successfully."

Emphasizing that the DEM Party has a strong internal functioning, Bakırhan said that decisions are taken collectively, not individually, and said, "We discuss the issues we think differently about in our boards. No one imposes. Decisions are taken after passing through the filter of common sense. This is also an element that makes us strong."

"Bahçeli's handshake contributed significantly to the start of this process"

Regarding the handshake, which is seen as the symbolic starting moment of the process, Bakırhan said that this step created a positive impact in terms of the process. Bakırhan said, "Bahçeli's handshake contributed significantly to the start of this process. It was a very appropriate step. At a time when the Middle East is becoming so unstable and conflicts are growing, starting a discussion on this issue by thinking about Turkey's future and security was extremely valuable."

"One should not judge anyone, especially Mr. Bahçeli, by their past"

He emphasized that MHP Chairman Devlet Bahçeli's symbolic and political stance towards the resolution process is important. Bakırhan said, "One should not judge anyone, especially Mr. Bahçeli, by their past. Of course, the past is evaluated, but it is very valuable that he sees this need today and shows a will regarding this issue."

"We are an opposition party and we will protect this identity"

Bakırhan said that the dialogue carried out with the government within the scope of the resolution process will not overshadow the party's opposition identity. Saying, "We are an opposition party and we will protect this identity," Bakırhan stated, "When the mining law comes, we oppose it; if a step is taken regarding labor rights, we support it. This line of ours will not change."

"Just because we are looking for a solution with some, we will not turn our backs on what happens to others"

Regarding the criticisms of "sitting at the table with the government," Bakırhan stated that they will continue the struggle for rights, law, and justice under all circumstances and said, "Just because we are looking for a solution with some, we will not turn our backs on what happens to others. This does not happen with us. We are a fair party. Just because we sat with the government, we cannot ignore its shortcomings."

"This process is not a bargain"

Touching on the "trust issue" that has formed in society and the opposition front, Bakırhan emphasized that the process cannot be placed on a bargaining ground and said, "It is normal to be concerned. But calling this process a 'bargain' or an 'effort to get someone elected' is unfair. There is no such thing. This is the language of those who want to discredit the process."

Call to CHP: You support it for once

Expressing his criticisms towards the CHP, Bakırhan argued that they provided support during election processes, but did not receive a return for this. Bakırhan said, "The CHP has 35 percent of the votes. So why do we always provide support? This time let them support. We are the most qualified political movement. Why is it always trying not to let DEM lose? Why shouldn't we win? From now on, we will also say, 'Let the CHP not let us lose, let them vote for our candidate.'"

"Democracy violations did not start today"

Bakırhan said to those who keep their distance from the resolution process on the grounds that "there is no democracy," "Is there no democracy today? Yesterday Selahattin Demirtaş was there, Figen Yüksekdağ was there in prison. Yesterday there was no Şişli Municipality, there was Siirt Municipality. Was there democracy yesterday and was it shelved today? Democracy violations are not new. But while we have been experiencing this oppression for years, we did not reproach anyone."

"We did not receive support when immunities were lifted, nor when the trustee law was passed"

Stating that they conduct transparent and consistent politics, Bakırhan said, "I say to those who are concerned about us: Let the CHP show two examples where we did not keep our word, and I will quit politics. We voted for Demirtaş, for Kılıçdaroğlu. But then they did not stand side by side with us. We expected support when immunities were lifted and when the trustee law was passed, but we could not see it."

Stating that the DEM Party has never misled the public, Bakırhan said, "We do not do things behind closed doors. We stand behind what we say. These comments, words like 'they are bargaining, they should not be supported,' really hurt us."

Emphasizing that the approach towards the DEM Party in inter-party relations is far from equality, Bakırhan said, "There is an understanding that constantly tries to attach us somewhere. There are those who think 'If they go separately, we will lose.' Then go ahead and support us. If you are the big brother, give a shoulder to the little brother. These discourses hurt the Kurds."

Reiterating their belief in the process, Bakırhan said, "We govern this country. DEM represents the most reliable, most populist, most democratic politics. We are not obligated to anyone. But we are obligated to common struggle, justice, and equality. I wish our people from the Black Sea also knew us."

"There have been many unlawful trials in Turkey, but there is no trial like the Kobani conspiracy case"

Bakırhan emphasized that many unlawful trials have been held in Turkey, but the Kobani case stands out as a conspiracy case.

Bakırhan said, "Rest assured, there have been many unlawful trials in Turkey, but there is no trial like the Kobani conspiracy case. Our friends have been inside unfairly and unlawfully for 9 years. We were tried in KCK cases, at least we were told 'you are doing revolutionism.' However, in the Kobani case, all sins were tried to be heaped upon them over just a single tweet."

"Selahattin Demirtaş remaining inside is a crime every second"

Stating that the situation of Selahattin Demirtaş, Figen Yüksekdağ, and other names who are imprisoned despite the ECHR's decisions is unacceptable, Bakırhan said, "Selahattin Demirtaş and Figen Yüksekdağ remaining inside is a crime every second. You keep them for 9 years, the ECHR repeatedly makes violation decisions. Our friends must be released immediately."

Bakırhan said that the most qualified political names who believe in and support the process are imprisoned, and said, "Experienced names like Selahattin Demirtaş, Figen Yüksekdağ, Leyla Güven, and Ayşe Gökkan have a great contribution to this process. They have a response and accumulation in society. We need them."