GÜRSEL TEKİN
We met with Republican People’s Party (CHP) Deputy Chairman Gürsel Tekin at the CHP headquarters in Ankara. After assessing the political climate following the March 30 local elections, the Istanbul parliament deputy shared his thoughts on the upcoming presidential election: ‘A presidential candidate must, above all, be committed to democracy and freedom and have a profile that everyone can trust.
M. Ferhat YÜKSEL
Gürsel Tekin began his political career at a young age and has held various positions in politics, becoming an influential figure in Turkey’s left-wing landscape. After serving as the CHP Istanbul Provincial Director, he was elected to parliament from Istanbul in 2011 and currently serves as the Deputy Chairman of the CHP. We met in Tekin’s office at the CHP headquarters in Ankara to discuss the state of the CHP following the local elections on March 30, the presidential elections, and the Kurdish issue. “The Kurdish issue is not just a Kurdish problem; it is a Turkish issue,” he emphasized.
Having been in politics for over 30 years, how do you evaluate the current state of Turkish politics compared to those earlier years?
“Change is the law of nature, affecting not only politics but also people’s perspectives. The world itself is constantly evolving. Thirty years ago, politics and economics were more inward-looking and insular. Today, we face a Turkey that is increasingly integrated into the global community. Turkey, situated within the Islamic world, partially embraces democracy and freedom. We are experiencing both positive and negative changes. Turkey’s integration into the global arena is crucial for its development. However, alongside this rapid economic growth and global integration, we are unfortunately witnessing a decline in democracy.
WE IGNORED THE DIFFERENCES
How does the CHP assess the results of the March 30 local elections?
We can categorize the electorate in Turkey into three politicized groups. The first group consists of urban individuals with high literacy rates who are better equipped to understand and monitor political developments. The second group includes our citizens of Alevi origin, and the third comprises our Kurdish citizens. Over the past 30 years, factors such as the current oppressive system, the evacuation of 4,500 villages, and unresolved murders have significantly politicized our Kurdish citizens. I see this firsthand when I visit those regions and speak with the people. Unfortunately, as the CHP, we have often ignored the differences in this geography; at times, we have even used language that alienates these voters, creating a serious divide. We are now working to bridge that gap.
What actions are you taking to address this?
After 2011, prior to the peace process, the CHP prepared a declaration of freedom and democracy, accompanied by a booklet titled “Securing Social Peace with Democracy.” We introduced legislative proposals in parliament that could serve as a serious roadmap for addressing the Kurdish issue. Our work focused on the 10 percent electoral threshold, the Kurdish issue, and the removal of legal barriers to freedom. While we did not expect immediate electoral gains from these efforts, I have noticed a reduction in the disappointment between us and the electorate. We also emphasized that the Justice and Development Party (AKP), the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP), and the Peace and Democracy Party (BDP) could bring different perspectives to the table through negotiation. However, this issue needs to be grounded in legal frameworks, yet so far, nothing has been presented to Parliament, and regrettably, none of our proposals have been accepted by the AKP.
What are the reasons the CHP has been unable to increase its votes above 25 percent in the local elections, especially after the December 17 corruption allegations? If you engage in self-criticism, what can you say?
The negative events of the past have left deep sorrow and frustration, particularly among the politicized citizens of the southeastern region, and these feelings are not easily forgotten. However, we could have begun to bridge the gap by winning over our Kurdish citizens who have integrated into urban life in the western and Marmara regions. We have a project related to this in the near future. This issue extends beyond just Alevi or Kurdish concerns; it encompasses all of Turkey’s minorities, the oppressed, and the victims. The CHP, with its social democratic identity, should be the first to embrace these differences and address these grievances. It is crucial to recognize that the CHP has this ideological responsibility.
THE PRIME MINISTER DISCRIMINATES
What is your perspective on the Kurdish problem? How do you evaluate the government’s solution process?
Not just for the Kurds, but for all 76 million people in Turkey, there needs to be a judicial system that allows everyone to freely express their ideas, beliefs, and identities. This cannot be achieved through empty rhetoric or baseless statements. You cannot foster peace with the discriminatory language used by the Prime Minister. His rhetoric consistently creates a sense of “the other.” The path to true integration lies in freedom and removing barriers to rights. If we can accomplish this, a significant part of the Kurdish problem will be resolved. Ultimately, just as citizens in Çankaya, Kadıköy, and Sarıyer seek to live freely, so do the citizens in Şırnak and Cizre. The Kurdish issue is not solely a Kurdish concern; it is a Turkish issue. Resolving the Kurdish issue is essential for advancing democracy and freedom.
What is the CHP’s solution plan regarding the Kurdish problem?
The CHP prepared a declaration and program during a time when the Prime Minister had stated, “If I were them, I would hang Öcalan.” Our party leader responded, “Let us also contribute to this issue.” The AKP even mocked the CHP’s proposal to establish a “Wise Men Committee.” Ironically, they later created their own version of the committee. However, our “Wise Men Committee” was intended to include respected, ordinary individuals rather than just football players and artists. While I do not claim that our plan is flawless or the most suitable, it is open for discussion. We welcome all kinds of ideas, believing that the more we engage in dialogue, the better the outcomes will be.
There is a common belief that Recep Tayyip Erdoğan will easily win the presidential elections with the support of BDP votes. What strategy should the CHP adopt to place your candidate in the Çankaya Palace?
I disagree with the notion that BDP votes belong to any particular group or party. In politics, two plus two does not always equal four; each period and election must be evaluated independently. The current level of discomfort regarding democracy and freedom issues is felt not only by BDP voters but also by a significant portion of the 43 percent of AKP voters. This discomfort may lead to a different outcome in the presidential elections. To counter this, the AKP is deliberately trying to create a divide between opposing blocks. However, I believe this strategy will not succeed in the presidential elections.
DEMOCRACY AND FREEDOM
What characteristics do you believe your presidential candidate should possess to garner support not only from the CHP base but also from a broader segment of society?
As our party leader has stated, the presidential candidate must be sensitive to issues of democracy and freedom and must have a trustworthy profile. We need a leader who inspires confidence, someone who would make us say, “Yes, this country has a president” during challenging times. I envision a president, regardless of faith or political affiliation, who takes initiative when laws are circumvented, acts when social media is restricted, and firmly states, “No, you cannot do this,” in defense of democracy and freedom. It is unacceptable for a president to use Twitter illegally, as if using stolen electricity.
How do you evaluate the Hizmet (Service) Movement?
In Turkey, as in other parts of the world, there are various social groups similar to the Hizmet Movement. Occasionally, these groups fulfill a social need. However, when they engage in politics, they can harm both themselves and the political landscape. While I do not believe social groups should be involved in politics, they can be effective outside of that realm.
UNIVERSAL LAW IS NECESSARY
What is your opinion on the claims that the parallel state is synonymous with the Hizmet Movement?
UNIVERSAL LAW IS NECESSARY
In Turkey, we have been discussing issues like the parallel structure and deep state for the past 60 years. The root cause of these problems is Turkey’s failure to operate under universal law. Unless universal law is adopted, the parallel structure may fade away, only to be replaced by something else. This situation reflects a subcontracting system that the state has long utilized. In recent times, counterinsurgency tactics and unresolved murders have been exploited. To address this, we must embrace universal law. The issue is not simply about a particular social group or structure; it is the flawed system that urgently needs reform. As one philosopher said, justice is like the pole star—while the world turns, it remains constant. This is not just a desire of the CHP or other parties; it is a fundamental need for all of us. Eventually, this government will also require that same justice.
It is said that the notion of the CHP aligning with the Hizmet Movement during the March 30 local elections has caused discomfort within the party.
This claim originated from Tayyip Erdoğan and holds no truth. The CHP has no formal relationship with any group or organization. If any group chooses to support the CHP, we are grateful for their vote. Political parties are public entities where every group can engage. We are open to discussions with anyone who wishes to communicate with us. During my time as head of the CHP Istanbul Provincial Directorate, I met with various groups as part of my responsibilities, which is completely normal. Just as in business, you aim to win over every potential customer without discrimination.
In the short to medium term, is a change of leadership possible within the CHP?
I genuinely believe there is no issue regarding the leadership of the CHP. Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu is a respectable individual at peace with himself, society, and the people. We need someone like Kılıçdaroğlu to address issues of democracy, equality, freedom, and diversity. He is a compassionate leader who embraces everyone. If there were any movements within the party regarding leadership, that would also be a natural occurrence.
There are comments regarding Mustafa Sarıgül’s possible new responsibilities within the party.
Mustafa Sarıgül has received the responsibility he sought by becoming a candidate for the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality mayoralty. What more could we do? Everyone is welcome to participate in active politics within our party. The doors of the CHP are open to all, including Mustafa Sarıgül.
OUR NATURAL ALLIES
How are your relations with representatives of foreign and diplomatic missions?
Since becoming the provincial chairman in Istanbul in 2007, I invited foreign press members to a breakfast at the beginning of 2008, which took them by surprise. During my three-and-a-half years as provincial chairman, I published an English bulletin to inform foreign mission, embassy, and journalist representatives about the CHP’s activities and perspectives in Istanbul. This effort helped me establish close relationships during that time. Today, I also participate in events organized by foreign mission representatives and embassies, although I cannot say our relationships are as close as they once were in Istanbul. The CHP needs to improve in this area quickly, as these representatives are our natural allies and partners, and we cannot afford to ignore them.
Let’s talk about issues beyond politics. Do you have any activities or hobbies you enjoy?
Since I began my political career in 1984, I have actively participated at every level possible. Unlike some, I haven’t had a break from politics. Whenever I have time, I enjoy reading, listening to music, and until recently, I engaged in sports. As a hobby, I have a modest collection of prayer beads, totaling nearly 5,000. My late father also loved prayer beads, and I cherish those from my collection that belonged to him. This interest in prayer beads has led me to explore stones and their energies, as I strongly believe in their significance.
