20.11.2025 18:30
Former HDP Co-Chair Selahattin Demirtaş denied claims that he would establish a new party. In a written statement, Demirtaş said, "DEM Party is my only party. Even if the necessity for me to be in politics arises one day, my home, my refuge is DEM Party. Any comment suggesting that I will establish another party or switch to another party is merely speculation."
A new statement has come from Selahattin Demirtaş, the former co-chair of the HDP, who is detained in Edirne Prison. Demirtaş denied the claims that he would establish a new party, stating that his party is the DEM Party.
A NEW STATEMENT FROM DEMİRTAŞ
Selahattin Demirtaş's statement is as follows: "While a highly critical, sensitive, and important process is being carried out outside, the last thing I want is to be placed at the top of the agenda. While we are expecting an urgent development that will pave the way for peace, it would not be appropriate for the agenda to be shifted elsewhere, especially when the discussion is about the Parliament Commission's visit to İmralı Island. However, the discussions and speculations made through my name are also affecting the process, both indirectly and directly. Therefore, I am writing this to clarify a few issues clearly.
"I STAND BY PEACE INITIATIVES"
I hope all speculations and unnecessary discussions come to an end with this.
1- I am part of, stand by, and support the peace initiatives that Mr. Öcalan has taken the initiative on, which have been courageously embraced by the President and Mr. Bahçeli, and strongly supported by the opposition, especially Mr. Özel. There can be no talk of competition, division, or conflict between Mr. Öcalan and me.
Mr. Öcalan's role, mission, and historical responsibility are extremely important, and only he can fulfill them, not anyone else, including myself. My role and mission in democratic politics are to support and complement peace efforts. No one else has the chance to fulfill this on my behalf.
"I HOPE THE PARLIAMENT COMMISSION GOES TO İMRALI"
Moreover, we do not have the opportunity to fulfill this mission in a healthy way under the conditions of İmralı and Edirne. This is a reality; it is not an imposition, a bargain, or a condition. I hope the Parliament Commission goes to İmralı and sees what I mean on the spot, observes, and listens to all the truths firsthand.
"IF I GAIN FREEDOM, I WOULD LIKE TO MEET WITH ALL POLITICAL ACTORS FACE TO FACE"
2- I have no hatred or animosity towards anyone; I do not have such a luxury. If one day I gain freedom and they accept it, I would like to meet face to face with all political actors, including the President, Mr. Özgür Özel, Mr. Devlet Bahçeli, Mr. Ali Babacan, Mr. Ahmet Davutoğlu, Mr. Fatih Erbakan, Mr. Erkan Baş, Mr. Mahmut Arıkan, and Mr. Müsavat Dervişoğlu, to listen to their suggestions and criticisms, and to sincerely share my views and thoughts for the future of the country.
I would do this sincerely, without entering into any calculations of political gain, position, or status. If the President seriously puts forward a policy aimed at opening a new page with democratic reforms and moving the country to entirely different social and economic conditions, just as I unconditionally supported the peace process, I would also support this without hesitation.
"MY HOME IS THE DEM PARTY"
3- I entered politics through the Democratic Society Party (DTP), and the current representative of our political tradition, the DEM Party, is my only party. Even if one day I am compelled to be in politics, my home, my nest is the DEM Party. Any comment suggesting that I will establish another party or switch to another party is merely speculation.
4- Political struggle is not only conducted under the roof of political parties. Every area of life is political and a ground for struggle. Even if I am not in active politics, I will continue to be part of the active struggle.
"EVERYTHING ELSE IS SPECULATION"
Everything else besides what I have stated is speculation, commentary, and conjecture. We will build peace first, then justice, equality, and brotherhood together patiently, step by step. There is no place for hopelessness, pessimism, or despair. We will definitely succeed. Now our eyes and ears will be on the brave and historic decision the Parliament Commission will make."