The decisions made at the 12th Congress of the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK), held between May 5 and 7, continue to be discussed in various circles. In particular, the emphasis on socialism in the PKK’s final declaration and its call to socialist organizations in Turkey have sparked debates among socialist circles, prompting various responses to the congress outcomes.

Following Abdullah Öcalan’s call on February 27, the PKK announced that it had dissolved itself and ended its armed struggle. The declaration also included critiques of nation-state socialism and stressed that the path for socialist movements in Turkey to achieve their goals lies in supporting this new process.

Hakan Öztürk, chairperson of the Labourist Movement Party (EHP), shared his assessment of the PKK’s announcement and its call to socialists in an interview with ANF.

The PKK statement shows unity within the Kurdish movement

Hakan Öztürk said that the PKK’s declaration is a sign of full alignment within the Kurdish movement. Öztürk emphasized that the struggle can now proceed through democratic politics and said: "We can say that the PKK’s announcement of dissolution was made in line with the ideas and assessments laid out by Mr. Öcalan in his ‘Call for Peace and Democratic Society’ on February 27, 2025. Mr. Öcalan referred to this by saying, ‘This is what any contemporary society or party, unless forcibly abolished, would do.’ The PKK has adopted a position consistent with this. The nature of this development indicates that a genuine consensus has been reached within the Kurdish movement.

Abdullah Öcalan emphasized that the blockage of democratic political channels prevents a resolution and, therefore, that democratic politics and legal avenues are necessary. From now on, this appears to be the most crucial path that must be considered and implemented at the highest level. In its final declaration, the PKK Congress stated that ‘the legacy of our history of freedom, built through struggle and resistance, will now evolve more strongly through the method of democratic politics, in line with the decisions of the PKK’s 12th Congress. The future of our peoples will advance on the basis of freedom and equality.’

As the congress resolution affirms, it is possible for the struggle to proceed through democratic political means. A new period has begun. And there is a vast foundation already laid for the success of this phase."

The emphasis on socialism clearly defines the ultimate goal

Hakan Öztürk described the emphasis on socialism in the PKK’s statement as a clear expression of its ultimate goal, saying: "In its final declaration, the congress called on everyone to take responsibility and participate in the process of peace and democratic society. We can say that the congress decisions marked a significant political orientation. The declaration concludes with the slogan: ‘Nation-state socialism leads to defeat; democratic society socialism leads to victory! Persistence in humanity is persistence in socialism!’ This framing is a very clear determination regarding the ultimate objective.

The movement has once again reaffirmed the political line it has upheld throughout every period. As the social subjects who will carry forward the struggle, It identifies the poor and working people, faith communities, women, youth, laborers, peasants, and all those excluded from power. This is a call directed at all oppressed and exploited segments of society."

Socialist organizations should respond positively to the call for joint struggle

Öztürk emphasized that the call directed at socialist organizations should be understood as an invitation to a joint struggle, adding: "Ultimately, the statement puts forward the view that ‘if the left-socialist forces of Turkey, including revolutionary structures, organizations, and individuals, embrace the process of peace and democratic society, then the struggle of peoples, women, and the oppressed will reach a new level.’ In this respect, the Kurdish people, who have long suffered injustice, have fulfilled their responsibility and are now in a position of inviting all socialist forces to a common struggle. Socialist forces outside the Kurdish movement must respond positively to this call for joint struggle. This is not something that can be ignored.

If we want to stop chauvinism, wars, exploitation, and the destruction of nature, then we must act. In the time ahead, it will no longer be acceptable to claim that there is ambiguity about this goal or to say that ‘the presence of violence is an obstacle.’ Both the goal and the transition to democratic politics have now been clearly stated. A vast horizon has opened before us for the liberation of the working class and all oppressed peoples."