Process commission meeting at the Grand National Assembly concludes

The National Solidarity, Brotherhood and Democracy Commission, which held its first meeting today, saw a dispute arise over Article 6. As the dispute could not be resolved, the deputy group leaders of the parties in the commission and the Speaker of the Assembly moved to a separate meeting. The commission meeting concluded after 8 hours of deliberations.

A dispute over Article 6 emerged in the commission. During the deliberations, TBMM Speaker Kurtulmuş had given assurances regarding the qualified majority debate, which the CHP was sensitive about. He had stated that this method would be used in critical decisions.

CHP'S OBJECTION TO QUALIFIED MAJORITY

In the draft text prepared, the following issue became a point of contention in Article 6. The absolute majority of the full membership was chosen as the quorum for commission meetings. However, decisions regarding the preparation of legislative proposals are to be handled by a three-fifths majority of those attending the meeting. For all other decisions, the decision quorum will be the absolute majority of those attending the meeting.

The CHP objected to the possibility of a qualified majority being applied only when decisions related to legislative proposals are taken. Deputy group leaders moved to a separate meeting to resolve the crisis. The commission meeting was adjourned. Following the talks, it was learned that a consensus had been reached. Decisions in the commission will be taken by a vote of 31 members, constituting a qualified majority.

KURTULMUŞ ISSUES STATEMENT FOLLOWING THE MEETING

Following the commission meeting, Assembly Speaker Numan Kurtulmuş shared a post on his social media account. Kurtulmuş said: "Turkish-Kurdish brotherhood is the fundamental code of our geography.

We are the grandchildren of those who fought shoulder to shoulder at Çanakkale. Shared destiny means walking together not only on battlefields, but also in the sweat of one's brow, in sorrow, and in hope. Today, too, we are obliged to reinterpret history through the understanding of the present and to build the future with this will, leaning on reason that springs directly from the people and armed with national wisdom," he said.

While Kurtulmuş drew attention to the fact that the commission's work would proceed 'in full view of the public and with the guarantee of the national will,' he said: "This process is a matter of survival that concerns the common future of Turks, Kurds, and citizens from all walks of life. Therefore, our commission will act as a deliberative consultative body."

The following statement was issued by the TBMM following the meeting:

"THE RULES AND PROCEDURES OF THE NATIONAL SOLIDARITY, BROTHERHOOD AND DEMOCRACY COMMISSION HAVE BEEN ADOPTED UNANIMOUSLY

The commission, established under the roof of our Grand Assembly with the aim of strengthening social integration, consolidating national solidarity and brotherhood, and evaluating work to be carried out in the areas of freedom, democracy, and the rule of law in line with the goal of a Turkey free of terrorism, convened for its first meeting on 5 August 2025 under the chairmanship of TBMM Speaker Numan Kurtulmuş in the TBMM Ceremony Hall.

During this historic period in which our country has seized a historic opportunity, the commission will follow an important process that will shape our tomorrows and make peace permanent. It will also identify necessary legislative arrangements, carry out work on draft legislative proposals, and ensure that the public is informed about the current process.

At the meeting, representatives of political party groups and political parties without a group shared their views on the process and the importance of the commission.

At this first meeting, the commission's rules and procedures of work were adopted unanimously.

The commission's name has been designated as the "National Solidarity, Brotherhood and Democracy Commission."

The commission will hold its next meeting on Friday, 8 August 2025, at 14:00 in the TBMM Ceremony Hall.

Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya, National Defence Minister Yaşar Güler, and National Intelligence Organisation (MİT) President İbrahim Kalın have been invited to that meeting to brief the commission on the work carried out on behalf of their respective institutions and on current developments.

Briefings regarding the commission's work will be provided solely by the Presidency of the Grand National Assembly of Turkey."