DEM Party's Saruhan Oluç provides figures on the process's reception in society: Draws attention to the increase

DEM Party Antalya MP Saruhan Oluç said, "When this work began last year, the rate of those who wanted peace was around 40 percent. Now it has risen to 75 percent. In other words, three-quarters of society wants peace, wants young people not to die, and wants the Kurdish issue to be resolved through democratic means. However, there is an equal level of distrust. 75 percent of society is in favor of peace, but 75 percent also do not believe that the government will take steps in this regard. For this reason, it is essential to take confidence-building measures," he said.

Oluç stated the following:

"The commission will most likely hold a closed-door hearing next week. The head of the MIT, the Minister of Interior, and the Minister of National Defense will also attend. After the hearings, the report writing phase will begin. Unless there is a major setback, the report will be submitted to the Grand National Assembly of Turkey in November. The report will include assessments and recommendations regarding the process. Non-governmental organizations, academics, and opinion leaders have been heard. Even though everyone had different views, they contributed to the point of 'what can be done for a solution.' We believe the commission is carrying out productive work. In the coming period, legislative steps need to be taken quickly."

Responding to questions about the release process of former HDP Co-Chair Selahattin Demirtaş, Saruhan Oluç reminded that the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) decision is now final and made the following assessment:

"The European Court of Human Rights has finalized its decision regarding the Demirtaş file. In accordance with Article 90 of the Constitution, this decision must be binding for all courts in Turkey. There is no longer any chance for the court not to implement this. The President also said, 'We will respect the court's decision.' Therefore, there is no political obstacle left. We expect this decision to be implemented as soon as possible and for both Selahattin Demirtaş and our other imprisoned friends to regain their freedom."

Stating that Demirtaş's release would have significant effects not only for Turkey but also for Middle Eastern and European politics, Oluç said, "Selahattin's return to the political scene will contribute to Turkey's democratization process."

"LACK OF TRUST IN SOCIETY PERSISTS"

MP Oluç conveyed the impressions they gained during the "Peace and Democratic Society" meetings their party has been conducting for the last year, stating that the desire for peace in society is increasing day by day, and said the following:

"When this work began last year, the rate of those who wanted peace was around 40 percent. Now it has risen to 75 percent. In other words, three-quarters of society wants peace, wants young people not to die, and wants the Kurdish issue to be resolved through democratic means. However, there is an equal level of distrust. 75 percent of society is in favor of peace, but 75 percent also do not believe that the government will take steps in this regard. For this reason, it is essential to take confidence-building measures. For example, the release of Selahattin Demirtaş, Figen Yüksekdağ, and those imprisoned in the Kobani case could be such a step. Similarly, the removal of trustees and the return of municipalities to elected councils would also increase trust."

"EDUCATION IN MOTHER TONGUE REQUIRES CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT"

Touching on the issue of education in the mother tongue, Oluç stated that the issue requires constitutional regulation in the long term, but that there are also legal steps that can be taken in the short term, and continued his words as follows:

"The issue of education in the mother tongue requires a constitutional amendment. However, there is no constitutional debate on this commission's agenda. Nevertheless, we believe that legal regulations can be made to facilitate the use of the mother tongue in the public sphere. For example, public institutions should not prohibit the use of local languages such as Kurdish on signs or in local services. We have preparations to remove obstacles so that the mother tongue can be used comfortably in the public sphere."

Drawing attention to the impact of Turkey's current economic policies on low-income segments, Oluç also said the following regarding the 2026 budget negotiations:

"Discussions have been ongoing in the Planning and Budget Committee for a week. The current economic system creates great grievances, especially for laborers, workers, tradesmen, peasants, and farmers. This budget policy is not sustainable. We will present our alternative proposals that are pro-labor and consider income justice in Parliament. The system needs to change in economic terms. Because this order protects the interests of capital, not the people."

"DIALOGUE IS ESSENTIAL FOR THE PROCESS TO PROGRESS"

Stating that meetings are held with other parties from time to time for the peace process to progress healthily, Saruhan Oluç noted that the process is carried out not only at the commission level but also through dialogue channels between political parties, and concluded his words as follows:

"We are also meeting with the administrations of the parties outside the commission. We are in contact with all parties in Parliament from time to time, both to advance the process and to ensure that the commission works more efficiently. Establishing peace is only possible through mutual trust and dialogue."