Turkey passes law to end conflict with PKK

Turkey has ratified the ‘Law to Strengthen National Solidarity and Social Cohesion,’ a legislative framework intended to end the long-standing conflict between the Turkish state and the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK).

The law follows a significant peace appeal issued by imprisoned PKK leader Abdullah Öcalan in February 2025. In his declaration, Öcalan signaled a departure from previous demands for a separate state or administrative autonomy, instead emphasizing democratic values and peaceful coexistence.

The new legislation provides a mechanism for reintegrating combatants into civilian life and offers a conditional amnesty for approximately 80,000 political prisoners accused of terrorism. Under the law, sentences may be suspended or annulled provided no new offenses are committed. An observation and coordination committee will oversee the process.

However, the framework faces criticism regarding its stability and scope. Observers note that the law does not address core underlying issues such as linguistic, cultural, or land rights. Furthermore, there are concerns that broad anti-terror laws could still be utilized against Kurdish political opposition, and the executive branch maintains significant influence over the implementation process.