DEM Party lawmaker sets conditions for supporting Erdoğan

DEM Party lawmaker Cengiz Çandar has indicated that the party's support for President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan's potential re-election candidacy could depend on constitutional reforms. Speaking to Rudaw, Çandar stated that if the government provides guarantees regarding a new constitution, specifically concerning Articles 42 and 66, the party would reconsider its position.

Key requirements for the DEM Party include the recognition of equal citizenship and the removal of obstacles to education in the mother tongue (Kurdish). Çandar emphasized that a definition of citizenship that excludes Kurds or denies their rights would be unacceptable.

Regarding the ongoing political process in Turkey, Çandar noted a lack of social trust. He highlighted the imprisonment of Selahattin Demirtaş as a major factor contributing to skepticism about the state's intentions. He argued that Demirtaş's release is essential for the process to be viewed as moving toward a positive conclusion. Additionally, Çandar called for the reinstatement of removed elected mayors and noted that the status of Abdullah Öcalan needs to be concretized.