Despite waves of arrests and harassment in the run-up to the congress of the Green Left Party, thousands took part in the landmark meeting at which the People's Party for Equality and Democracy (HEDEP) was founded.

In an ANF interview, HEDEP party council member Murad Mıhçı spoke on the new developments associated with the congress and the preparation for the local elections that will take place in 2024.

Mıhçı described the congress as a result of a self-critical discussion with the grassroots and an important new departure. First, he explained that the lower-than-expected result of the Alliance for Work and Freedom, of which the Green Left Party was a member, in the parliamentary and presidential elections in June 2023 was the symptom of a long-standing political stagnation.

“Problems were openly addressed at the congress”

The phase of criticism and self-criticism at the people's assemblies and conferences that preceded the congress was particularly crucial. The politician said: “A four-day conference was held before the congress, two days for women and two days for everyone. In addition to the delegates who had been involved in the party in the past, many people from a wide variety of backgrounds spoke, both the past processes were assessed and the roadmap for the coming process was prepared. It was not a conference simply held on a regular basis. It was a conference where all problems were discussed, everything was addressed and the organization exercised its self-criticism. Before that, there was a process in which public meetings with broad participation took place. I can say that I witnessed that all the criticisms raised by the people in these meetings were taken into account. It was a long-term, high-participation preparatory process aimed at representing all the identities of this region committed to this party. This strong start was crucial for the course of the congress. On this basis, the congress was very successful and was finally crowned with the presentation of the HEDEP roadmap for the coming phase.”

“This spark must burn permanently”

The fact that the congress took place at such a level despite all obstacles was a great success and gives the movement strength and determination, said Mıhçı, pointing out that “this spark must now be carried into the preparation for the local elections”. He continued: “I think we have found the energy that we had when we founded the HDP. This is very important and inspiring for us. It is also proof of our responsibility. It is necessary to meet the expectations of the base by understanding them correctly. I believe this will bring success in the local elections.”

“An inclusive attitude brings success”

Mıhçı recalled that the HDP was aimed at becoming a broad grassroots party from the beginning and worked intensively in Kurdistan and Turkey. HEDEP also feels committed to this tradition. He pointed out that, as an Armenian, he himself represents exactly this. HEDEP is a party of all social components, especially the discriminated parts of society, the Alevis, Armenians, Kurds, women, workers and minorities. This also represents the party's responsibility. Mıhçı said: “The people want their own interests to be represented by people who come from their same background. It is necessary to try harder and adopt a more inclusive attitude. The new process also brings with it this responsibility. We need to more fully reflect the color and voice of the society we come from. The congress was very good. The determination for change and transformation and its emphasis in the co-chairs' speeches gave us this belief. We are excited and hopeful.”