HDP’s Demirtaş: “This country is sick of Erdoğan”

Demirtaş stated that the people are sick of the AKP and will tell Erdoğan they have had enough in these elections. He said: “We don’t have the slightest expectation from the AKP. At this point, AKP is the representative of a racist, fascist mindset."

HDP (Peoples' Democratic Party) Presidential Candidate Selahattin Demirtaş responded to German news magazine Der Spiegel’s questions in writing through his lawyers.

“THERE IS FASCISTIC PRESSURE, BUT OUR BASE IS COURAGEOUS”

To Der Spiegel’s question “You had left your post at the party in February, you wanted to leave politics to its own rhythm. But now, you announced your candidacy for President from prison. Why?” Demirtaş said: “I never gave up the fight. I had stated before that I would be ready to serve my party and the people wherever I am needed. Now this service is requested of me. And I said I was ready to do it.”

On the issue of how he would reach his voters, Demirtaş said: “I can only send messages and letters to the outside world. Millions of young people and women will go door to door in my name to campaign face to face. I have trust in our people in this matter. In any case, this campaign isn’t for me but for the people, for freedoms and for democracy.”

Demirtaş responded to the question, “There are over 3.000 HDP members in prison. Is your party at a position to enter the election race?” as: “There is total fascistic pressure on my party, but still, our base is very courageous and motivated. With support from volunteers, we will overcome these issues and enter the elections prepared.”

Demirtaş pointed out that they can see the people are sick of Erdoğan and the AKP and want change, and said: “The people will tell Erdoğan they have had enough in these elections.”

“I WOULD NEVER GIVE UP”

Demirtaş said attacks against the HDP show how desperate the government is and responded to the question, “As long as Erdoğan is in power, do you think you can get out of prison?” as: “The people’s freedom is more important than my freedom. If the people achieve freedom, my hostage situation will end consequently. The matter is not personal for us, it is societal. It is not jural but political. I would never give up the struggle for freedom, democracy and peace even if I knew I would spend my whole life in prison.”

“WE HAVE NO EXPECTATIONS FROM THE AKP”

When asked whether there is a possibility like the “Solution Process”, Demirtaş said: “We will come into government and resolve all issues including the Kurdish issue within the framework of democracy. We don’t have the slightest expectation from the AKP. At this point, AKP is the representative of a racist, fascist mindset.”