Main political events in Türkiye in the last week.
Main political events in Türkiye in the last week.
As always, Türkiye’s agenda is intense.
The massacre of Alawite civilians in Syria topped the headlines. Many political parties and organizations including the main opposition party, Republican People’s Party (CHP), made statements about the incident.
Meanwhile, the “democratic initiative” process launched by the coalition partner of the Justice and Development Party (AKP), Nationalist Movement Party’s (MHP) leader Devlet Bahçeli, unfolds rapidly.
Another important topic is President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s continued insistence on Türkiye’s European Union membership, despite Europe is becoming more isolated with the US-Russia talks.
Reactions to the massacre of Alawites in Syria
The massacre of Alawite civilians in Syria, carried out under the rule of HTS, sparked outrage and widespread debate in Türkiye. Many political parties and public figures made statements.
The main opposition CHP responded with strong condemnations. CHP leader Özgür Özel issued a statement, announcing that a 15-member party delegation had been sent to Hatay, a border city to Syria to assess the developments. It was also revealed that Özel held a meeting with National Intelligence Organization head İbrahim Kalın regarding the developments in Syria.
In his statement, Özel said:
“We are closely and sadly following the recent events in Syria. It is now evident that the perception about Syria created by the government’s narrative of ‘victory’ is not true. The clashes have reignited. The rising civilian casualties and fears of massacres targeting Alawite minorities in and around Latakia are causing deep concern among our citizens.
Türkiye has been the country most affected by the Syrian Civil War after Syria itself. I want to stress the importance of standing in full solidarity with the Syrian people to prevent further escalation of the conflict.
We share the concerns of our Alawite citizens living near Syria who are worried about their relatives across the border. We are maintaining contact with the authorities.
We call on the Government of the Republic of Türkiye to take more active steps and to engage with the Damascus administration in effective diplomatic efforts to prevent further civilian casualties.”
Meanwhile, protests planned by various political parties and associations in front of the Syrian consulate in Istanbul were banned by the governor’s office.
Erdoğan also spoke on the issue and criticized the CHP. He described the recent incidents as “terror acts by remnants of the old Syrian regime aiming to ignite sectarian conflict.”
He praised Syria’s transitional president Ahmed Sharaa, saying he was “pursuing an inclusive policy without falling into the trap of revenge” and added:
“Strengthening this approach will foil the plots against Syria. We sincerely hope Syria will soon achieve lasting peace and stability. We believe all Syrians, Arab, Turkmen, Kurdish, Druze, Alawite, will act wisely and not allow their country to be torn apart.”
Responding to the CHP’s focus on civilian casualties among the Alawite minority in Latakia, Erdoğan said:
“The opposition must act responsibly and stop fueling the fire. Using our Alawite citizens for political provocation is an attempt to undermine national unity.”
Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Öncü Keçeli made a written statement on X. Titled “Developments in and around Latakia” the statement read:
“Serious efforts are being made to ensure security and stability in Syria. At such a critical time, the tensions and attacks on security forces in and around Latakia could undermine the efforts to carry Syria into the future with unity and solidarity.
Such provocations must not be allowed to become a threat to the peace of Syria and our region.
We stand against any act targeting the Syrian people’s right to live in peace and prosperity. Türkiye will continue to support the Syrian people and their administration.”
MHP leader and ruling coalition partner Devlet Bahçeli also issued a brief written statement:
“The concerning clashes in Syria’s Latakia and Tartus are showing signs of escalation. It’s understood that foreign-backed ethnic and sectarian provocations are being orchestrated against both our country and neighboring countries.”
“Democratic initiative” unfolds
The “democratic initiative” launched by a call of MHP leader Devlet Bahçeli, unfolds rapidly.
As part of the process, a delegation from the PKK-affiliated DEM Party visited imprisoned PKK leader Abdullah Öcalan. Through this visit, Öcalan issued a message calling on the PKK leadership to disarm and dissolve the organization.
Following Öcalan’s statement, PKK-affiliated groups such as YPG and PYD, claimed the call did not apply to them.
After Öcalan’s call, MHP leader Bahçeli issued a new statement:
“The era of armed violence and betrayal, with all its social, political, economic and humanitarian costs, is coming to an end (…) Caution, responsibility, and vigilance are essential to prevent missteps and misunderstandings that could derail this delicate progress.
(…)
DEM Party’s calm and constructive tone, if maintained with consistent actions, could open the door for it to become truly a party of Türkiye. The February 27 İmralı call clearly includes all extensions and affiliates of the PKK. Claims by groups like the YPG that they are excluded are baseless and contradict the organization’s founding leadership. The founder of the terrorist organization has called for its dissolution.
Attempts to delay the process, create confusion, or push for additional political and legal concessions are reckless.
Those trying to impose a hybrid national identity or question the constitutional definition of Turkish citizenship are only dreaming of disrupting the goal of Türkiye free from terrorism.
(…)
PKK and its affiliated groups must immediately and unconditionally lay down their arms and hand over their weapons to the Republic of Türkiye. The word “ceasefire” is neither appropriate nor meaningful for this process because there is no moral, legal, or legitimate context in which two equal and sovereign parties are engaged.
(…)
In a time of global instability and strategic shifts, the disarmament of all terrorist affiliates is a non-negotiable necessity.
(…)
Those who continue to carry illegal arms will face severe consequences.
Meanwhile, a DEM Party delegation has begun a series of visits following Öcalan’s call. The delegation is set to meet with parties including CHP, the Future Party, and the Felicity Party.
Erdoğan insists on EU membership
As normalization talks begin between the US and Russia, a growing distance is emerging between the US and the EU. In parallel, debates continue in Europe on establishing an independent security architecture.
In this context, President Erdoğan has reiterated Türkiye’s commitment to joining the European Union. Speaking at the EU’s “Likeminded Countries Initiative” online summit, Erdoğan said:
“We maintain our goal of full EU membership. We expect the EU to adopt a strategic and visionary approach and to revive accession negotiations.”
Referring to the war in Ukraine, Erdoğan said:
“We have strongly supported the territorial integrity and independence of our strategic partner Ukraine. We emphasize the need for a fair, lasting and honorable peace with both sides at the negotiation table. We support an immediate ceasefire and halting air and sea attacks as a confidence-building measure.”
Erdoğan criticized Türkiye’s exclusion from EU defense procurement and reconstruction programs:
“Given our support to Ukraine through our defense industry and private sector, it is unjustified to exclude Türkiye from EU initiatives. European security is not only a concern for EU member states but for all European allies.”
On European security, Erdoğan added:
“We believe that the planning of steps in Europe with Türkiye will be to interest of the both. Transatlantic cooperation and US’s support remain essential in these efforts. Our advanced defense industry is ready to contribute. The EU’s defense industry program should be open to all European allies. It is important for Türkiye to be included in mechanisms like the European Peace Facility supporting Ukraine’s reconstruction.”