Mahmut Arıkan breaks silence after meeting with Erdoğan! 'If justice is shaken, the state is shaken'

Saadet Party Chairman Mahmut Arıkan met with President and AKP Chairman Recep Tayyip Erdoğan at the Presidential Palace on June 4. The Saadet Party had not previously made a detailed statement regarding the meeting at the Palace.

Arıkan broke his silence on the meeting to Merve Şişman from Nefes. Arıkan stated that during his meeting with Erdoğan, they primarily discussed Palestine, which is under Israeli occupation.

Mahmut Arıkan also made notable comments regarding the Presidential Government System. Furthermore, Arıkan made assessments regarding alliances and the Imralı Process.

“POLITICIANS ARE RIVALS, NOT ENEMIES OF EACH OTHER”

The Saadet Party leader stated that it is natural for a political party leader to meet with the President, saying, “We mainly discussed the genocide in Gaza.” Arıkan added, “Politicians are rivals, not enemies of each other. It does not matter if it is us or someone else. There is nothing more natural than a political party chairman meeting with the President to convey their views and thoughts on national issues within the framework of mutual respect.”

Arıkan said the following regarding the Presidential Government System, which was introduced with the controversial 2017 referendum:

"We believe that issues should be discussed based on systems, not individuals. Unfortunately, the Turkish-style presidential system has turned into a major disappointment in almost every field, especially the economy. It was implemented with very high promises and very high expectations. At that time, we shared our concerns and anxieties very clearly with our dear nation and our interlocutors. The process that has passed has proven us right. The balance between the legislature, the executive, and the judiciary in Turkey has been disrupted, and trust in justice, in particular, has disappeared. We want a Parliament that is empowered in this process. We are in favor of a management approach where the public is strongly represented in the TBMM and institutions are independent."

Arıkan made the following comment about political party alliances:

"We value the culture of consultation in terms of solving our people's problems. The existence of a parliamentary group is important to be able to strongly voice our nation's troubles and expectations in Parliament. If you form a group in the TBMM, you can participate in legislative activities much more strongly. The New Path Group (Yeni Yol Grubu) is continuing its way quite successfully. It is still too early to talk about the issue of alliances. But our fundamental approach as the Saadet Party is this; we conduct politics based on principles, not names. At this point, we have a culture and experience that allows us to talk to every party in Turkey and come together with everyone when the national interest is at stake. We never take steps based on daily political calculations, but in line with the interests of the nation."

HE POINTED TO THE PARLIAMENT FOR THE IMRALI PROCESS: WE ARE READY TO PROVIDE EVERY KIND OF CONTRIBUTION

Stating that they find the Imralı Process valuable, Arıkan said:

"PKK terrorism is a scourge that has been swallowing Turkey's human resources and financial resources like a black hole for exactly 47 years. For this reason, we find the 'process' valuable. The unity and integrity of Turkey and the protection of the law of brotherhood have always been our red line. Our greatest wish is for this process to become permanent with a common will in the TBMM, and for the bloodshed and tears to end. The elimination of weapons is, of course, important. However, a transparent process must be carried out on the floor of the Parliament, with the inclusion of all segments of society. We think that this process should be viewed not just through the window of terrorism and security, but as the construction of a livable Turkey. We are ready to provide every kind of contribution to every sincere step taken regarding a livable Turkey."

Stating that the foundation of the state is justice and saying, "If this foundation is shaken, the state is shaken," Arıkan expressed the following views regarding the debates on the judiciary in the public eye:

"For the independence and impartiality of the judiciary, the guarantee of judges and prosecutors must be strengthened. Political interference in court decisions must be prevented. HSK (Council of Judges and Prosecutors) members must be removed from the sphere of political influence. It will not work if everyone only wants justice for themselves. Justice is not wanting what we like, but being able to accept a fair decision even if we do not like it."