DEM Party rejects dissolution demands amid Turkey’s fragile peace talks

ANKARA — The Peoples’ Equality and Democracy Party (Halkların Eşitlik ve Demokrasi Partisi, DEM Party) issued a strong response to recent accusations and calls for its dissolution by Mustafa Destici, leader of the Great Unity Party (Büyük Birlik Partisi, BBP), a member of the ruling coalition led by the Justice and Development Party (Adalet ve Kalkınma Partisi, AKP) under President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.

Destici accused the DEM Party of having affiliations with the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (Partiya Karkerên Kurdistanê, PKK) and demanded that the party be disbanded and any alleged ties severed.

In an official statement, the DEM Party categorically rejected the allegations and firmly denounced the calls for its closure, declaring that it remains fully operational and has no intention of dissolving. The party emphasized its continued commitment to the political process and its principles.

These developments come at a time when Turkey is navigating a sensitive phase in peace negotiations aimed at ending the decades-long conflict with the PKK and achieving long-term stability and security.

Responding to the accusations, the DEM Party reaffirmed its role as a legitimate political force advocating for equality, freedom, democracy, justice, and peace for all people in Turkey. It stated that it has the support of millions of citizens who endorse its values and political vision.

Kamuoyunu yanıltmak ve toplumsal algıyı çarpıtmak isteyenlere hatırlatma:

DEM Parti; halkların eşitlik, özgürlük, demokrasi, adalet ve barış mücadelesinin adıdır. Milyonların iradesidir. Bir tabela değildir, geçici hiç değildir. Büyük bedeller ödeyerek ve kesintisiz bir… pic.twitter.com/7OUzgfZ2Xg

— DEM Parti (@DEMGenelMerkezi) July 22, 2025

In its statement, the party vowed not to succumb to political pressure or threats, underscoring its determination to pursue its political mission. It reiterated that it represents the democratic will of millions who are demanding a future built on freedom and justice.

The DEM Party also highlighted its goal of securing peace and democracy for all 86 million people in Turkey. It stressed that efforts to silence or dissolve the party would not derail its commitment to a peaceful and democratic future.

In related remarks, President Erdoğan acknowledged the delicate nature of the ongoing peace process. Meanwhile, the PKK announced that it would not take any further steps until Ankara implements concrete legal and reform measures that would foster reconciliation and ensure the success of the peace talks.