DEM Party responds to Devlet Bahçeli's 'maximalist demands' criticism: Lists 10 demands!

DEM Party Co-Chair Tuncer Bakırhan responded to MHP Chairman Devlet Bahçeli's remarks that "we must avoid bringing maximalist demands to the agenda." Stating that the DEM Party's demands are for all of Turkey, Bakırhan said, "The DEM Party is striving to build the cornerstones of justice, freedom, and equality for every citizen living in this country."

10 CONCRETE DEMANDS

Bakırhan listed their party's concrete demands as follows:

Constitutional citizenship rights with an equal perspective for everyone.

Ensuring the rule of law instead of arbitrariness.

Prioritizing the will of the people, not appointed trustees.

A public sphere where speech, press, and organization operate freely.

The right to education in one's mother tongue.

Strengthening local democracy and taking local decisions into account.

Urgent regulations in the Anti-Terror Law, the Turkish Penal Code, and the execution law.

A transitional justice law based on truth, justice, and reparation.

The release of sick and political prisoners; easing the burden on prisons.

The return of comrades who are in exile for political reasons.

"WHICH ONE IS MAXIMALIST?"

Addressing Bahçeli's "maximalist demands" criticism, Bakırhan stated, "Which of the demands we have listed so far is exaggerated, outlandish, or maximalist? None of them. Because these are issues that are already mandatory in most countries with minimal democracy," he said.

WHO DOES THE DEM PARTY STAND WITH?

Bakırhan gave the following response to the frequently asked question, "Who does the DEM Party stand with?":

"We stand with the people, the laborers, and the oppressed. We are the breath and the voice of a society that is being squeezed between two political poles; we are the 3rd way. Our political mindset seeks opportunities at the negotiation table while also demanding justice in the squares. Both are necessary, legitimate, and justified."

Bakırhan summarized their understanding of democracy by saying, "Even if the government changes, there can be no transformation without the character of the regime changing. Many governments have changed in Turkey, but the regime has continued with the same character." Regarding foreign policy, he defended the "3rd way" line:

"Regional peace can only be achieved through democratic negotiation and peace diplomacy. Not by sending weapons or soldiers across the border. We do not conduct politics in the shadow of the government, nor are we a spare tire for other parties. We are a real path walking shoulder to shoulder with our people toward freedoms, peace, and democracy."

GAZA CALL

Touching upon the ceasefire in Gaza, Bakırhan said, "A ceasefire has been declared in Gaza after a long and painful nightmare. Tens of thousands of civilians and thousands of children lost their lives. The ceasefire is important; lives are being saved. However, a fair and comprehensive solution is essential for lasting peace. The just and legitimate demands of the Palestinian people must be met. As the DEM Party, we will continue to defend these rights."

News Source: 12punto