The pro-Kurdish Peoples’ Equality and Democracy (DEM) Party delegation is reportedly scheduled to meet with jailed Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) chiefAbdullah Öcalan next week, according to a report by the ANKA News Agency. The meeting, a significant political development, comes after months-long restrictions on Öcalan’s access to visitors.
The initiative gained traction following unexpected calls from Devlet Bahçeli, leader of the far-right Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) and a key partner in Turkey’s ruling coalition. Bahçeli, known for his traditionally hardline stance against Kurdish political figures, advocated for renewed contact with Öcalan, signaling a surprising shift in approach.
Sources within the DEM Party, relayed by ANKA, suggest that President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has given his approval for the meeting. It is expected to take place within the next ten days and may include prominent Kurdish political figures such as Sırrı Süreyya Önder and Pervin Buldan, both of whom played key roles in the 2013–2015 PKK-Turkey peace process.
Despite media reports, Pervin Buldan clarified in an interview with Gazete Pencere that no official approval has been received yet. “We learned about this information from the media,” she stated. It is also reported that other individuals may visit Öcalan at İmralı Island Prison following the initial meeting.
When asked about the development, Bahçeli reaffirmed his support, stating on Dec. 20, “There is no change in our views. There is benefit in facilitating this meeting. We would be pleased with the discussions.”
This shift marks a stark contrast to the MHP’s historical opposition to Kurdish politicians and the government’s ongoing crackdown on DEM Party mayors. However, the process has been unfolding gradually, beginning with Bahçeli shaking hands with DEM Party MPs on Oct. 1. By Oct. 22, Bahçeli had publicly called on Öcalan to “dissolve the organization and speak at the DEM Party group in Parliament.” On Nov. 26, he further escalated his stance, urging for face-to-face contact between Öcalan and the DEM Party without delay.
Following Bahçeli’s remarks, DEM Party Co-Chair Tuncer Bakırhan announced that an official application had been submitted to the Justice Ministry, requesting permission to visit Öcalan. The upcoming meeting could represent a pivotal moment in Turkish politics, potentially reviving discussions on the Kurdish issue amidst a backdrop of complex political dynamics.
