Turkish Parliament Speaker: Peace Process a Call for Unity, Brotherhood, and Coexistence

Anadolu Agency

The Speaker of the Turkish Parliament.

The Speaker of the Turkish Parliament has underlined that the peace process in Türkiye represents a call to uplift public morale, foster brotherhood, embrace diversity, and encourage coexistence.

Speaking at the opening session of the Peace Process Committee on Tuesday, 5 August 2025, held at the Parliament building, Speaker Numan Kurtulmuş stated: “There are defining moments in a nation’s history, and today is one of them.”

Kurtulmuş described the establishment of the committee as a significant step towards restoring public confidence, strengthening national unity, and fostering peaceful coexistence among differing groups. He referred to the committee’s formation—tasked with overseeing the peace process—as both a major opportunity and a pivotal moment in ending the decades-long conflict between the Turkish state and the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK).

He added: “Just as our people have stood united in both spirit and rhetoric in the past, they will once again overcome this challenge through solidarity and brotherhood.” He stressed that the peace process is not the exclusive concern of any single person, institution, or political party, but a matter of direct concern to the people. The significance of the committee, he noted, lies in its parliamentary character.

The committee was officially formed on 18 July 2025 at the initiative of Speaker Kurtulmuş. Comprising 48 members, it operates within the framework of the "Peace and Democratic Society" process.

The Justice and Development Party (AKP) will be represented by 21 members, the Republican People’s Party (CHP) by 10, the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) by 4, and the Peoples’ Democracy and Equality Party (DEM PARTI) by 4. The New Path Bloc—which brings together the Future Party, the Democracy and Progress Party, and the Felicity Party—will hold 3 seats. Free Cause Party, the Welfare Party, the Turkish Workers’ Party (TİP), the Labour Party (EMEP), and the Democratic Left Party (DSP) will each be represented by one member.

The Good Party (İYİ), however, has declined to take part, despite being allocated 3 seats. Decisions of the committee will be made by a three-fifths majority. It will be chaired by Speaker Kurtulmuş, who will not have voting rights in its proceedings.