Turkey
Caption: Tulay Hatimogullari, co-chair of the pro-Kurdish Peoples’ Equality and Democracy Party (DEM Party), speaks at a Labour Day rally in Van, Turkey, on May 1, 2026. Photo: Tulay Hatimogullari/ X
ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - Tulay Hatimogullari, co-chair of the pro-Kurdish Peoples’ Equality and Democracy Party (DEM Party), said on Friday that efforts are ongoing to break a deadlock in Turkey's peace process, warning that any obstruction would be met with public resistance.
Speaking at an International Workers’ Day (Labour Day) rally in Van province on Friday, Hatimogullari acknowledged that the peace process has stalled but stressed determination to move forward.
“The process for peace and a democratic society began more than a year and a half ago. Currently, there is a certain stalemate in the process. We are making every effort to overcome this deadlock,” she said.
The renewed peace push emerged in late 2024, driven by shifting regional dynamics and renewed political will after years of conflict between Ankara and the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK). A major turning point came when jailed PKK leader Abdullah Ocalan called on the group in February 2025 to disarm and dissolve. The PKK said it heeded the call, holding a symbolic disarmament ceremony and withdrawing from some conflict zones.
“Now, if someone tries to obstruct this process, let them know that the power of the people will remove that obstacle, and we will certainly overcome this,” she added.
The Turkey-PKK peace process has faced increasing criticism from Kurdish political actors, who say progress has been slow. The PKK has also voiced scepticism. Murat Karayilan, a senior commander of the now-dissolved PKK, said on Thursday that the Turkish government has “frozen” the peace process with the Kurdish group, despite steps taken by the PKK.
In contrast, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said Wednesday the process is progressing as expected, describing it as a “positive atmosphere.” On Thursday, he met with Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) leader Devlet Bahceli, with the Kurdish resolution process among the key topics.
According to Turkish media, the two leaders reviewed recent developments and potential next steps, emphasizing the government’s position that progress depends on confirmation that the PKK “has laid down its arms in all its branches.”
In her remarks, Hatimogullari addressed ongoing conflicts in the region.
“Today, the cause of the Russia-Ukraine war and the attacks by the US and Israel on Iran is the war of partition among the occupying powers of the capitalist system. They make the people of the Middle East - Kurds, Turks, and Arabs - pay the price. But the people are resisting. The most beautiful example of this was shown by the Kurdish people in Rojava,” said the female co-chair.
Hatimogullari also highlighted economic hardship inside Turkey, claiming widespread unemployment and declining living standards.
“In Turkey, one out of every three workers is unemployed. People cannot pay their rent. The pensions that retirees receive are not even enough to give as pocket money to their grandchildren,” she alarmed.
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