03.06.2025 16:02
The co-chair of the DEM Party, Tülay Hatimoğulları, regarding the ongoing strike of İzmir Metropolitan Municipality workers, stated, "The rights of the workers must be urgently granted, and their humanitarian demands must be met. Their demand is for 'equal pay for equal work,' and this demand must be addressed immediately."
Hatimoğulları, in his speech at the TBMM Group Meeting of his party, conveyed his best wishes to the citizens affected by the 5.8 magnitude earthquake that occurred off the coast of Marmaris, Muğla in the Mediterranean.
Reminding that Turkey has suffered greatly from earthquakes, Hatimoğulları stated that earthquake-resistant cities must be created.
Tülay Hatimoğulları expressed that new developments occur every day in the Middle East, which is a scene of competition and struggle for influence among global and regional powers, and that the oppression in Gaza is "the point where pain is deepest."
Emphasizing the importance of Turkey's historical past, geostrategic position, and role in the region, Hatimoğulları said, "It is very important, urgent, and essential for Turkey to move from being a party to becoming a mediator and a leading role in solving problems and ensuring regional peace. The region needs this very much. This approach will provide great contributions both to the benefit of Turkish society and to the peace of the region. We wholeheartedly believe in this."
"THE RIGHTS OF WORKERS IN IZMIR MUST BE GIVEN URGENTLY"
Claiming that Turkey is experiencing "one of the biggest economic crises in history," Hatimoğulları alleged that the government behaves as if there is no extraordinary situation.
Referring to the inflation figures announced by the Turkish Statistical Institute (TÜİK) for May, Hatimoğulları claimed that people can no longer make ends meet, stating, "An interim raise must be made for the minimum wage, pensions, and salaries of workers and civil servants, and this must be done urgently and without delay."
DEM Party Co-Chair Hatimoğulları also stated regarding the ongoing strike of İzmir Metropolitan Municipality workers, "The rights of workers in the İzmir Metropolitan Municipality's subsidiaries must be given urgently, and their humanitarian demands must be met. Their demand is 'equal pay for equal work,' and this demand must be met urgently."
"THE SOCIALIZATION OF THE PROCESS IS A NECESSITY"
Highlighting the "Terror-Free Turkey" efforts, Hatimoğulları pointed out the importance of understanding the process correctly, courageously articulating the truths, addressing this process calmly instead of reactively, and identifying what needs to be done.
Indicating that the political institution has significant duties and responsibilities in the "Terror-Free Turkey" efforts, Hatimoğulları noted:
"The socialization of this process without discrimination is a necessity. Politics should lead to the realization of socialization. I specifically emphasize the importance of not making a distinction because it is crucial for every segment of society, both from the opposition and the government, to take joint steps in the construction of peace in this process, creating the broadest social consensus."
"LET'S PASS THE COVID LAW TOGETHER WITH UNANIMITY IN PARLIAMENT"
Expressing his criticisms regarding the 10th Judicial Package, Hatimoğulları said, "Look, tens of thousands of prisoners dreamed of spending the holiday at home. Their families and loved ones were expecting to celebrate a holiday with them; they dreamed of it. They left people's dreams in their throats. No one has the right to do this."
Hatimoğulları noted that there is still an opportunity in this regard, stating, "Let's take advantage of this opportunity and pass the COVID law together with unanimity in parliament."
"THE COMMISSION MUST BE ESTABLISHED AS SOON AS POSSIBLE"
Referring to the planned commission in the TBMM regarding the "Terror-Free Turkey" efforts, Hatimoğulları emphasized the importance of TBMM President Numan Kurtulmuş's statements on this issue.
Recalling that they shared their views on this matter with Kurtulmuş during their meeting in the Assembly, Hatimoğulları continued:
"The country does not have time to waste. This commission must be established as soon as possible and must start its work actively without delay. We are referring to a mechanism that does not just produce words, but develops concrete proposals, has a timeline, adheres to that timeline, and is accountable. There is no situation where the country's problems can be referred to the commission and left to rot there. Therefore, the commission must be established as soon as possible, but it must be a functional commission. Many vital agendas, ranging from disarmament in local governments to the functioning of the judiciary and collective rights, lie ahead of us. With a functional commission, rapid steps can be taken, and we can quickly break out of this vicious cycle."
NEW CONSTITUTION WORKS
Hatimoğulları also referred to the new constitution works, emphasizing that the constitution must truly be a civil and democratic constitution.
Claiming that investigations related to some municipalities polarize society, Hatimoğulları stated that if a new constitution-making process is to be discussed, these should be abandoned.
Using the expression, "To ensure that the constitution-making process can continue healthily, it is essential to soften the political climate and clear the way," Hatimoğulları stated that the main responsibility in this regard lies with the government.
Hatimoğulları said, "We need a clearing of the way that will involve everyone, moving away from a one-size-fits-all approach. In this sense, Mr. Bahçeli's emphasis on 'a new era of identity and brotherhood' is important. The new social contract should be able to offer a solution that supports education in the mother tongue and an inclusive definition of citizenship, as expressed by Mr. Özgür Özel."