Yeni Parti backs 'Framework Law' citing common report, but internal dissent remains

The Yeni Parti (New Party) has cast a "yes" vote for the "Framework Law" presented to the Turkish Parliament, despite earlier criticisms regarding the legislative process. The party's decision, made in the Justice Commission of the Grand National Assembly, followed a weekend of deliberations.

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The law proposal was shared with us about 20-25 minutes after it was delivered to Parliament. We have no intention of signing the bill after this much time.

Initially, Yeni Parti leader Özgür Özel expressed dissatisfaction, stating that the proposal was shared only 20 minutes before being submitted to parliament, leaving insufficient time for review. However, after two days of internal discussions among legal experts and lawmakers, the party referenced a "common report" prepared by a commission for a new solution process. Özel highlighted specific articles within this report, particularly those concerning disarmament and the return of terrorists, as key factors influencing their support.

Özel emphasized that the seventh article of the report, which addresses democratization, including ending the practice of appointing trustees to municipalities, ensuring compliance with Constitutional Court decisions, and guaranteeing freedom of expression, was a significant consideration. He stated that the Yeni Parti would contribute to the proper enactment of the law based on the sixth article of the commission's report and would advocate for the implementation of the seventh article, which they view as crucial for democratization.

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The Yeni Parti will contribute to the proper enactment of this law prepared in accordance with the sixth article of the commission report.

Despite their "yes" vote, there is internal discomfort within the Yeni Parti. Party officials, including Deputy Chairman Murat Emir, voiced criticism during the commission's discussions. Emir argued that the proposed law fails to resolve the Kurdish issue or the problem of terrorism, citing the continued imprisonment of elected mayors and the use of "fake news" laws against journalists. The party put forward amendments to abolish crimes like "publicly disseminating misleading information" and "insulting the president," and to end the trustee appointments, but these were rejected. Nevertheless, the Yeni Parti ultimately voted in favor of the law.

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We cannot solve the Kurdish issue, we cannot solve the terrorism issue.