Since the June 2015 elections, the People’s Democratic Party (HDP) has been subjected to intense and systematic attacks by the AKP-MHP government. President Erdoğan and his ultra-nationalist allies have used all kinds of repressive means to undermine our party, which is the third progressive and democratic force of the country. Since 2016, over 5,000 people associated with the HDP, including its former co-chairs, parliamentarians, mayors, party administrators and other members, have been arrested. Many are in prison and several face life sentences. Today, the HDP is facing a case calling for its closure. Considering this threat, which can be realized at any moment, it was decided before the general and presidential elections on May 14, to stand for election on the list of the Green-Left Party, which is a constituent of the HDP.
As HDP and Green-Left Party, we did not nominate a presidential candidate in the elections. Instead, we chose to support the candidate of the opposition bloc. We took this decision to weaken the AKP-MHP government, which has taken on an increasingly authoritarian character that, instead of offering solutions to the country’s problems, only deepens them. Although the opposition lost the presidential election by failing to fulfil its historical responsibility, the election results clearly marked the dynamic role and democratic stance of the HDP.
The AKP-MHP government continues to stand as the biggest obstacle to democracy in Turkey and democratization of the country. The Kurdish Question, the violation of freedom of expression and association, the pressure on democratic policies, the violence against women and children, the breakdown of the rule of law and the deteriorating economic situation remain as the main problems we face. Despite all these challenges, we are determined to insist on dialogue and resolution to pave the way for a democratic and peaceful Turkey. To achieve this, our immediate goal is the upcoming local elections on March 2024, where we intend to re-strengthen our co-chair system to enhance gender equality in society and country in general. After the 2019 local elections, trustees have been appointed in 48 of 65 of the municipalities we won and many of our co-mayors have been arrested. These completely anti-democratic practices, along with the closure case against the HDP, are a fatal blow to democratic politics not only in Turkey but also internationally. We are determined to emerge victorious in the upcoming local elections to put an end to this undemocratic ruling to meet the local demands of our people.
On August 27, 2023, the HDP held its Fourth Extraordinary Congress, and due to the risks arising from the Closure Case, the political activities of the HDP were transferred to the Green Left Party. All of the HDP’s political experience and methods will now be channeled to the Green Left Party.
