NEWS CENTER - Emphasizing that Başak Demirtaş's candidacy is to make the DEM Party's third way policy visible, Selahattin Demirtaş said: "The Kurdish issue and the serious issue of democracy and justice in Turkey are our priority. We will talk to everyone who wants to talk about the solution of these issues." 

 

Selahattin Demirtaş, the former Co-Chair of the Peoples' Democratic Party (HDP), who is held in Edirne No. 2 Type T Closed Prison, wrote an article about the decision regarding Başak Demirtaş's candidacy for Istanbul and the allegations made by some circles afterwards. The title article "For the Sake of Incorrupted Things" shared from Başak Demirtaş's X account is as follows:

 

"If you are not doing politics for the benefit of the people, the poor, the laborers, the oppressed, what you are doing is not politics, but 'cheap town merchanting.' Unfortunately, even by looking at the discussions that have taken place in the last twenty days, we can easily make the following determination: In Turkey, it is no longer politics, but 'merchantship'. Those who look for a cunning, a demon behind every political move we make, think that everyone is like them. No one can think of a virtuous purpose. It doesn't seem like a political move could have been made. It's a shame, it's very sad, but political parties have turned into a mechanism to gain seats, positions and profit.

 

That's why they don't understand Başak Demirtaş's candidacy for Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality mayor or the DEM Party's third way efforts. The first thing that comes to everyone's mind is the possibility that a dirty bargain has been made, but no one thinks that people can engage in politics for the development of democracy and peace. Because the dominant way of doing politics has become 'politics of interest', politics of values has been forgotten. I don't know how aware you are that this is a very sad and dire situation, but this social collapse shows that the coming years are already lost, unless we intervene now.

 

I had not spoken for a long time, except for my defence in the courts and I had no intention of speaking. However, it would not be possible to remain silent while there was so much speculation about us but outside of us. I am not going to take every speculation, every lie and slander seriously and respond to each one individually. Let me just say what I need to say and retire to my place.

 

Let me explain it point by point: 

 

- I do not know if there is any meeting traffic between DEM Party and AKP. But if not, this is a big deficiency for both parties. All parties should be able to meet and talk to solve the issues of the country and society. This is perfectly legitimate, in fact it is a duty and a responsibility considering the current situation.

 

- There were talks between DEM Party and CHP that were reflected in the press. They should meet and talk much more. Likewise, all other parties must be able to talk to each other. To argue otherwise is against the nature of politics.

 

- Başak Demirtaş's candidacy was intended to end polarization and hostility and contribute to creating a political atmosphere where everyone can talk to everyone else. Apart from the crocodile tears of the chorus of 'condemning terrorism' as the bodies of our young children continue to arrive from the mountains to the cities, isn't it more valuable than all the municipal seats that someone takes responsibility? Those who say 'it is not' should not show up at military funerals - hopefully will not happen - from now on.

 

- Başak Demirtaş's candidacy was to make visible the third way politics that the DEM Party was persistently trying to establish. It was to say: 'We are not doing politics for seats, positions or profit, but for democracy, justice and peace, which are the urgent needs of the people.' If anyone says: 'No, these values are not more valuable than my municipality seat', they must not talk about justice and democracy from now on.

 

- Başak Demirtaş's candidacy was to open clenched fists and remind people to shake hands. Those who cannot understand the value of this should at least not feel sorry when they get punched from now on.

 

- Başak Demirtaş's will to be a candidate was an indicator of the sincere and virtuous stance of the Kurds and the DEM Party, who did not give up saying democracy and peace despite paying the heaviest prices. Those unmoralized people who say "she bargained for her husband" without paying a single price throughout their life should at least try to be a little moral from now on.

 

In conclusion;

 

The Kurdish issue and the serious issue of democracy and justice in Turkey are our priority. We will talk to everyone who wants to talk about the solution of these issues and if we see seriousness and sincerity, we take two steps for one. We do not get permission from anyone for this. We can never have an obligation to be accountable, especially to those who are engaged in a position fight. The DEM Party should also act with this self-confidence, meet with the main opposition and all other parties, including the ruling party, if it can, and make compromises within the framework of principles and for the development of democracy, if it can. For us, April 1st and its aftermath are more important than the March 31st elections.

 

Those who attach great importance to the March 31 elections should also approach our demand for democracy, justice and peace seriously. CHP should not see the issue as just March 31, but should attach importance to a long-term alliance in the struggle for democracy. AKP, on the other hand, should consider four years without elections as an opportunity to return to democracy. DEM Party should be able to negotiate with all parties, including both parties, and seek compromise with whoever will adhere to these principles.

 

In these aspects, Başak Demirtaş's candidacy will was not evaluated correctly by political actors other than the DEM Party. For this reason, it is understood that we will enter into an election race with other valuable friends. However, we care about this political move for social peace rather than the election.

 

Therefore, it is never too late for dialogue and negotiation for the development of social peace and democracy; All parties must be able to talk to each other. Everyone should re-evaluate the issue from this perspective and calmly. We serve democracy, freedom and peace. The price we pay is not for anything else. And I believe that we will gain and implement these values. We have the will, the strength and the determination for this.

 

Selahattin Demirtaş

 

February 9, 2024"