Following Abdullah Öcalan’s call on 27 February for the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) to lay down arms, the PKK has announced its commitment to this call. As diplomatic negotiations continue, the chair of the Labour Party (EMEP), Seyit Aslan, evaluated what this process means for Turkey’s democracy and labour movement, as well as the role socialists and democratic forces should play.

Aslan noted that the government is advancing this process, particularly considering expected developments in the Middle East. He stated: "History has shown that both peace and democracy can be achieved only through struggle, and once won, they must again be protected through struggle."

Ignoring the demands of the Kurdish people is a policy of the ruling class

Seyit Aslan said that while the government may have its own objectives, ignoring the gravity of the Kurdish issue is a fundamental mistake. He explained that "the government justifies this process as a way to preempt potential negative consequences for Turkey arising from rapid developments in the Middle East. It aims to secure its position beyond the borders while also strengthening the ‘internal front’ domestically. We have seen this justification reflected in various statements by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, in the rhetoric and stance of Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) leader Devlet Bahçeli, who has actively positioned himself as a key figure in this process since October 1, and in the writings of Erdoğan’s advisors."

Aslan added: "It is undeniable that President Erdoğan and those close to him view this process as part of a strategy to extend his time in power. However, those who interpret the entire process solely through this lens fail to grasp the full weight of the Kurdish issue and the diverse dynamics that influence the situation. The ruling elites and different factions of the ruling class will undoubtedly prioritize their short-term objectives, framing the process within the so-called ‘supreme interests’ of the state. Engaging with the demands of the other side only at the most minimal level is a classic reflex of ruling-class politics and the conventional state approach."

However, said Aslan, "these factors only describe certain aspects of the process. To explain the situation solely through the plans and goals of the ruling powers would mean disregarding the role of those who have made the Kurdish issue visible through years of struggle and successfully brought it to the negotiating table."

This process is a struggle for those who long for peace

Aslan evaluated Mr. Öcalan’s statement and also addressed the steps that the government must take. He said: "In his statement, Öcalan even took a step back from previous positions on ‘culturalist’ demands, instead emphasizing that the struggle within the framework of ‘democratic reconciliation’ will persist. The statements indicate that this process had been in motion for at least a year before it became publicly visible on 1 October. This suggests that there may have been negotiations between Öcalan and state representatives on Imrali that were not reflected in the official text. Given the historical nature of this issue, it would not be appropriate to make definitive statements today about where this process will lead. However, we must emphasize that the outcome of this process will also depend on the struggle of democratic popular forces and those who long for a future where the demands of the Kurdish people are recognized and peace is achieved."

Aslan underlined that "at the same time, there are essential steps that must be taken. First, all imprisoned politicians, journalists, mayors, and human rights defenders, as well as those recently arrested under the Peoples’ Democratic Congress (HDK) investigation, must be released. The appointment of state trustees must be halted, and all co-mayors who were removed from office must be reinstated, restoring their unlawfully seized rights. The barriers to mother tongue education must be lifted. Furthermore, all dismissed peace academics who were unlawfully expelled from their universities must be reinstated with full restoration of their rights. It must not be forgotten that these injustices have led to consequences so severe that some have been driven to take their own lives.

Of course, in terms of finding a democratic and people-centered resolution to the Kurdish issue, there are fundamental steps that must be taken to ensure equal citizenship. However, the measures we have outlined could serve as the initial steps toward that goal."

Labour and democracy forces must take a stand for peace

Aslan stated that labour and democracy forces must take a stand and make efforts for peace. He explained: "History has shown that both peace and democracy can only be won through struggle, and once achieved, they must again be defended through struggle. Winning is not enough; preventing the loss of a hard-won peace also requires effort. We know that imperialist and capitalist states are deeply intertwined with arms monopolies and share common interests. All of this makes it inevitable for labour and democracy forces to take a stand and fight for peace.

Although there are those who passionately support the ongoing process, it is also natural for some to approach it with varying levels of criticism. However, it is clear that those who consider themselves responsible for peace cannot merely settle for criticism."