Statement on local elections from Kemal Okuyan

The Communist Party of Turkey (TKP) revealed its stance on the local elections yesterday with a statement titled "Communist Municipalism." 

Today, Communist Party of Turkey (TKP) General Secretary Kemal Okuyan answered questions from Beste Çelik during a live broadcast on Cumhuriyet TV. 

WHERE WILL FATİH MEHMET MAÇOĞLU RUN AS A CANDIDATE?

Speaking on the potential re-candidacy of Dersim Mayor Fatih Mehmet Maçoğlu, Okuyan said, "Yes, his candidacy from another location is on the agenda, but nothing has been finalized yet. Ultimately, we are all conducting an assessment of the period we have left behind. This assessment includes whether we have achieved our thoughts and goals. It also includes what can be done alongside other municipalities that could be won in Turkey. We are all in the process of evaluation. Our discussions regarding the support, participation, and cooperation of other political structures are also ongoing. However, this issue will gain clarity before too long."

When asked if a new alliance is possible in the local elections, Okuyan stated that they do not want to use the word "alliance" randomly, adding that what is on the agenda is "cooperation." 

"In other words, it is about the left and revolutionary movements creating space for each other and helping one another. When Mr. Maçoğlu's candidacy is in question, this will encompass a broad cooperation. At least our hope is at this point."

EMPHASIS ON "COMMUNIST MUNICIPALISM"

The highlights from Kemal Okuyan's statements are as follows:

"We cannot change this system through local governments. Because this system is an issue related to political power. But it would be a huge mistake to hide behind this reality and say that our hands are tied and that local governments have no authority. Communist municipalism is an approach that observes the interests of the public and society and the rights of the working class in the area for which it is responsible, while strengthening and protecting the environment, history, and culture. It is a concept of municipalism that is completely closed to rent-seeking and the interests of private companies and holdings. No one other than communists can do this.

"WE ARE ASSERTIVE IN HATAY'S DEFNE"

There are some points we are targeting as a Party in these elections. One of them is already clearly visible. We are assertive in the Defne district of Hatay, and we had started this claim and our work before the earthquake. We want to show how communists can rebuild from destruction and what communists are capable of."