Debate on 'Terror-Free Turkey' in Parliament: İYİ Party's Research Proposal Rejected

Turkey's Grand National Assembly has rejected a motion by the İYİ Party to investigate the effectiveness of anti-terrorism policies implemented during the Justice and Development Party (AKP) government's tenure. The İYİ Party sought to examine the impact of the "opening" and "solution" processes, which aimed to address the country's long-standing conflict.

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You have been governing this country for twenty-four years, don't you need to account for this to the country?

İYİ Party Deputy Chairman Turhan Çömez directly challenged the ruling party, asking, "You have been governing this country for twenty-four years, don't you need to account for this to the country?" He further questioned the persistent presence of terrorism despite various initiatives. Çömez recalled a 2014 law on ending terrorism and strengthening social cohesion, asking why the necessary steps had not been taken over the past twelve years.

Representatives from other parties offered their perspectives. Necmettin Çalışkan of the New Road Group stressed that "national solidarity" must encompass all 86 million citizens. CHP's Mahir Polat indicated a willingness to contribute positively to the process, while Eylem Ertuğ Ertuğrul from the New Party emphasized democratization and the rule of law. Harun Mertoğlu, speaking for the AKP group, defended the "Terror-Free Turkey" initiative, asserting it was not a negotiation or a bargain.

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If a law is to ensure national solidarity, it must embrace all 86 million of this country’s people.

Çömez specifically questioned the circumstances that led to past dialogues with terrorist organizations, referencing statements by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and the Interior Minister. He demanded an explanation for why these steps were taken and what the outcomes were. The debate highlighted deep divisions and differing approaches to national security and reconciliation within the Turkish political landscape.

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What happened, for God's sake, what happened that made you sit at the table with the terrorist organization and make this bargain?