ANKARA – Sezai Temelli, a parliamentarian from the Peoples’ Equality and Democracy (DEM) Party, stated that only unilateral steps have been taken so far in the ongoing process, emphasizing that the commission’s current task is to prepare a report for a special law.

 

Temelli held a press conference in the Turkish Grand National Assembly addressing recent developments on the legislative agenda. He highlighted the draft bill concerning foundations currently under parliamentary discussion, warning that if passed, municipalities could lose control over foundations under their administration. Temelli said: “Turkey doesn’t need this law. No one in Turkey is concerned about what happened with foundations. People’s problems are entirely different, yet the Parliament has been entangled with the Foundations Law for three weeks. The result is a Parliament that reproduces this mindset rather than addressing society’s needs.”

 

‘PARLIAMENT IGNORES PUBLIC AGENDA’

 

Temelli stressed that teachers, healthcare workers, retirees, and labourers face numerous issues, stating, “Workers are waiting to see what will happen with the minimum wage. While such urgent problems knock on the door, we are stuck discussing provisions of the Foundations Law, such as in Article 11, which addresses how foundations could be taken from municipalities. The Parliament is becoming increasingly alienated from society, limiting itself only to the majority government’s agenda, which is either the agenda of capital or bureaucracy. The public’s agenda never reaches the Assembly.”

 

‘THE BURDEN FALLS ON THE POOR’

 

Addressing the 2026 Central Government Budget Bill, Temelli said public demands were not considered: “There is a budget approach that usurps the public’s right to budget.” He added that a new omnibus bill on taxation is forthcoming: “It deepens existing inequalities in the tax system, shifting new burdens onto the people, workers, and the poor. Certain measures particularly affect those earning rental income.”

 

Temelli criticized the government’s deflation program, saying, “The deflation program based on so-called macroprudential measures has collapsed. They are now seeking new financial sources, and the target is the people. This program cannot be saved—it has failed, and the budget clearly shows this.”

 

REGIONAL INEQUALITY

 

Temelli stressed the regional disparities, particularly in Kurdish-majority provinces: “If you look at Turkey geographically, regional inequality is clear, especially in Kurdish provinces. The difference between Region 1 (Marmara) and Region 6 (Kurdish provinces) is enormous, making you question if we are living in the same country.”

 

PUBLIC DEMANDS REJECTED

 

Temelli outlined rejected proposals in the Plan and Budget Commission, including debt forgiveness for farmers, increased pensions, debt relief for small traders, and insurance coverage for housewives. He stated, “None of the motions from the opposition, especially DEM Party, serving the public interest, have been accepted.” He also noted the rejection of minimum wage increases, phased retirement systems, and social support measures for women and children, adding, “Children are going to bed hungry. Families cannot provide for even one child under these conditions, yet the government instructs them to have more children. They claim ‘not everything is economic,’ but that’s out of touch with reality.”

 

LEGAL AND HUMAN RIGHTS CONCERNS

 

On judicial issues, Temelli stressed the politicization of Turkey’s judiciary: “The European Court of Human Rights’ ruling on Demirtaş is clear. He and all others prosecuted in this case should be released immediately. By failing to implement this decision, the Court of Appeal is committing a crime.” He criticized ongoing disregard for Constitutional Court decisions, noting the broader implications for justice and the rule of law.

 

SPECIAL LAW AND ÖCALAN VISIT

 

Temelli said: “Important steps have been taken unilaterally so far. The next crucial step is focused on this special law. After the commission completes its discussions, it will draft a report, and various opinions will be collected. We hope the bill reaches the Parliament soon and addresses a significant part of society’s expectations.”

 

Regarding a potential visit to Kurdish leader Abdullah Öcalan, Temelli concluded: “We have requested this long before. Tomorrow, when the National Solidarity, Brotherhood, and Democracy Commission meets, we hope it will include this on its agenda, make a decision, and visit the island without delay.”