Discomfort in the AKP over the 'process': DEM Party's statements and posters spark backlash in the alliance's base

Following the enactment of the regulation known in the public eye as the "framework law," it is reported that discomfort regarding the field reflections of the process is growing within the People's Alliance. In AKP corridors, it is assessed that certain statements coming from the DEM Party front, posters glorifying members of the terrorist organization, condolence programs, and images of celebrations are weakening the social foundation of the process.

According to party officials, a "cautious, inclusive, and respectful of pain" language must be used for the process to be accepted by the public. However, it is stated that the images that have emerged recently are creating a backlash among families of martyrs, veterans, and nationalist-conservative voters.

THE DISCOMFORT WAS ALSO CONVEYED TO ERDOĞAN

According to AKP sources, the language used by the DEM Party and certain activities in the field have also been conveyed to President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. It is expressed in party corridors that Erdoğan is uncomfortable with posters glorifying members of the terrorist organization and images that give the impression of a "victory celebration."

It is claimed that a similar sensitivity is also held by MHP Chairman Devlet Bahçeli, who has stood out as one of the decisive actors since the beginning of the process. It is stated that People's Alliance officials are united in the view that a process carried out with the goal of "peace and social integration" cannot be presented as a political or social victory for the terrorist organization.

One of the most important topics in the evaluations within the AKP is the reaction in the alliance's base. Within the party, it is being discussed that these images could create a political cost, coupled with the decline in the People's Alliance's vote share and the tendency of nationalist voters to move away from the government. Officials believe that the process has not been explained sufficiently to the voters, while conversely, controversial images have created a stronger impact on the public.

'WHILE GUNS ARE SILENT, THE TONGUE SHOULD NOT TURN INTO A WEAPON'

Speaking to Merve Kılıç from Cumhuriyet, an AKP member stated that in a process claiming to seek social peace, one of the parties should not adopt an attitude that ignores the pain of the other, and evaluated, "In a true peace, one party does not stage a victory display against the other, nor does it press on their wounds."

The same person, drawing attention to the sensitivities of families of martyrs and citizens who have lost their loved ones, used the expressions, "For every mother, her child is her heart. Everyone can experience their pain and hold their condolences. No one can have a word to say against this. However, while experiencing your own pain, you cannot press on another mother's wound."

Another AKP official emphasized that the goal of laying down arms and social peace are different topics. The official stated that the silence of guns is important in terms of security, but that lasting social integration requires a longer and more sensitive process.

Laying down arms is one thing, social peace and reconciliation are something entirely different. If social peace is desired along with the laying down of arms, a simple rule known for centuries must be applied: If you have laid down the gun, you must also lay down the provocation. If the gun falls silent but the tongue turns into a weapon, the fight has not ended; it has only changed form.

It is stated in party corridors that the statements the DEM Party will make in the coming period and the activities that will be reflected in the field will be closely monitored. On the People's Alliance front, the expectation is that, in order to prevent the reaction in the base from growing, images that create a "victory atmosphere" and rhetoric that glorifies terrorism should be avoided.