Tuncer Bakırhan calls for a framework law

DEM Party Co-Chair Tuncer Bakırhan made statements regarding current issues at the group meeting held at the Grand National Assembly of Turkey. During the meeting, the framework law, the resolution of the Kurdish issue, and the steps that need to be taken for democratization formed the main topics of Bakırhan's speech.

Addressing the government regarding economic problems, Bakırhan stated that "society has been paying the price for the conflict-ridden process since 2015." Bakırhan said, "We are calling out to the government. Since 2015, because of the conflict-ridden environment, they were always asking us about the price of bullets, do you remember? They were saying, 'We cannot make ends meet, how much does a bullet cost?' They even issued fatwas on this subject in mosques. We are asking as well; you haven't fired a single bullet for 2 years. You haven't spent a single penny for 2 years, you haven't incurred a single cost. Come on, let's give the resources you have spent on this conflict for 2 years to the retirees, let's give them to the minimum wage earners. Let the retiree gain, let the minimum wage earner gain, and let the hope for peace grow and prevail. Rest assured, this country's plains, this country's resources, and the culture of solidarity in this country are enough for 86 million people to go to sleep with a full stomach, but it is not being managed well."

Emphasizing that the DEM Party is prepared and determined to resolve the problems, Bakırhan expressed that they possess the knowledge and experience required to establish a fair and democratic order.

EMPHASIS ON HISTORICAL RESPONSIBILITY

Pointing out that progress has been made regarding the "resolution of the Kurdish issue," Bakırhan said that political actors and society must act with a sense of historical responsibility in this regard. Referring to agreements signed in the past but never implemented, Bakırhan underlined that a new beginning for peace must be made through a framework law.

Bakırhan stated, "The starting point for the construction of a democratic Turkey is a framework law. Look, history sometimes makes a note on the same page twice. It doesn't happen very often... 105 years later, on another October 22, a new hand was extended under the roof of this Parliament, and a historic call was made. We interpret this as a declaration that the promise made at the founding is being fulfilled a hundred years later. The first step to realizing this declaration must be a framework law."

In Bakırhan's speech, it stood out that the democratization process should begin with a framework law and that a roadmap agreed upon by all parties should be created. Furthermore, he assessed, "A framework law is not an end, but a substantial beginning. It is a door we will use to transition to a new era. To pass through this door, a framework law must be enacted immediately and implementation must begin..."

Bakırhan drew attention to the importance of making political and legal arrangements without delay to ensure peace and democratic integration, and stated that the methodological errors that harm the process must not be repeated.

In a part of his speech, Bakırhan also touched upon the meeting held with Abdullah Öcalan at Imralı Prison, and shared Öcalan's words with the public: "If you separate the Turk from the Kurd, there is no Kurd left. If you separate the Kurd from the Turk, there is no Turk left."

Bakırhan expressed his belief that this process must be conducted in a healthy manner to ensure social reconciliation.

Bakırhan also underlined that if the relevant law is enacted within the scope of the peace process, the parliament will play its required role.

EMPHASIS ON LOCAL GOVERNMENTS AND BORDER GATES

In his speech, Bakırhan also emphasized that trustees (kayyums) should be removed from office and the importance of transferring local administrations to representatives elected by the people. He also stated that the opening of the Nusaybin-Qamishli and the Eastern Gate in Kars would contribute to the region economically and socially.

Calling for judicial decisions to be implemented without delay and for academics and public employees who have been dismissed to be reinstated to their duties, Bakırhan underscored the need to remedy the grievances of those who supported the peace process.

Following Bakırhan's statements, all eyes turned to the framework law brought up for discussion and the subsequent stages of the process.