Tülay Hatimoğulları speaks at group meeting: 'Clear steps must be taken for the peace process, the language of threats must be abandoned'

DEM Party Co-Chair Tülay Hatimoğulları made a comprehensive assessment of the agenda during the first parliamentary group meeting of the new year. In her speech, Hatimoğulları first stated that the difficult conditions in the earthquake zone persist, expressing that basic infrastructure deficiencies in Hatay have still not been resolved. Stating that the problems of earthquake survivors, who entered the winter in containers and with frequent power outages, are being ignored, Hatimoğulları said that officials must be aware of this situation.

Touching upon the situation of political prisoners, Hatimoğulları criticized the non-implementation of European Court of Human Rights rulings in Turkey, stating, "Demirtaş, Yüksekdağ, Kavala, and Atalay are still in prison. From here, I celebrate the new year of all political prisoners, in the person of dear Figen Yüksekdağ and Selahattin Demirtaş, and I send them my greetings and love."

Hatimoğulları noted that important steps were taken in the name of peace in 2025, and that the PKK's decision to dissolve and the orientation toward democratic struggle have increased social hopes. However, she emphasized that the state and the government have not yet sufficiently responded to social expectations, and underlined that more decisive steps must be taken on the path to democratization and peace in the new year.

EMPHASIS ON TRANSPARENCY AND COURAGE IN THE PROCESS

Pointing out that uncertainties continue in the peace process, Hatimoğulları said that the process should not be allowed to waste time. She drew attention to the fact that peace is only possible through a comprehensive peace package to be passed by the Grand National Assembly of Turkey (TBMM) and through social consensus. She also stated that the opposition should play an active role in the solution instead of remaining a spectator, and noted that peace should not be sacrificed for various political calculations.

Making statements regarding foreign policy and the international agenda, Hatimoğulları criticized the US stance toward Venezuela and called for standing against imperialist interventions. She touched upon the pressures faced by women and dissidents in Iran; she stated that the loss of life resulting from the protests there is absolutely unacceptable.

Evaluating developments in the Middle East, Hatimoğulları argued that threats against the SDF and the Kurds would bring conflict rather than a solution, and asked, "Which problem has ever been solved by surrender until today?"

CALL AGAINST THE LANGUAGE OF THREATS

In one part of her speech, Hatimoğulları addressed the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) leadership specifically, underlining that threatening rhetoric will not bring peace to the region. Touching upon the importance of dialogue with the Kurds in Syria, Hatimoğulları stated that she welcomes the Damascus administration's talks with the autonomous administration, and expressed that Turkey should adopt a solution-oriented approach in such processes.

Hatimoğulları also stated that the ISIS threat poses a serious security risk for Turkey, and that targeting the Kurds in Syria would further increase this threat. Expressing her sadness over the recent loss of police officers, she said that the failure to effectively investigate past attacks has been a factor in the increase of current security risks.

The DEM Party Co-Chair called on all social actors to take responsibility based on peace, democracy, and dialogue. She emphasized that they hope for the strengthening of peace and democratization in 2026.