Ahmet Kaya, Chair of the Human and Freedom Party (PIA), evaluated the “Peace and Democratic Society” process in an interview with ANF. He stated that, unlike the previous peace process, the current one has begun under the influence of external dynamics. However, Kaya warned that the process is being conducted largely by Ankara and lacks transparency, cautioning about the potential negative consequences this could create.

Kaya pointed out that there are two fundamental differences between today’s process and the peace process of 2013–2015. Kaya emphasized that these differences form the driving force behind the current process and said: “The previous process evolved mainly through internal dynamics and within a relatively democratic atmosphere. Today, however, the impact of external circumstances is much more pronounced. After July 15, the state’s discourse of a ‘survival problem’ and its security concerns have become the main driving forces of this process.”

The process has become bureaucratic

Kaya said the second key difference lies in transparency. He recalled that during the previous period, society had been involved through the Wise Persons Committee, public meetings, and open discussions. Today, however, he noted that the process has become more closed, bureaucratic, and centrally managed from Ankara.

Kaya said, “The public’s access to information is limited. If we leave aside the public meetings held by the Peoples' Equality and Democracy Party (DEM Party) within its own base, the commission’s work appears confined to a very narrow framework.”

Öcalan’s role has become even more significant

Kaya also spoke about the role of Kurdish People’s Leader Abdullah Öcalan and said: “Abdullah Öcalan is a decisive figure both in ending the armed struggle and as an actor around whom the vast majority of Kurdish politics and society unite. Therefore, his active participation in the process is an absolute necessity.”

Kaya referred to Öcalan’s belief that the progress of the process is more important than his own personal freedom and said: “Abdullah Öcalan prioritizes the healthy advancement of the process based on fundamental principles over his own freedom. However, effective communication and contact channels are indispensable. This is both a demand of the Kurdish side and an essential factor for meaningful contribution to the process.”

Kaya further underlined that granting Öcalan the right to hope and improving his legal conditions are crucial for the progress of the process.

Prison grievances must be addressed

Kaya stated that the first step for the process to move forward in a healthy manner is to address the grievances in prisons. He said that the situation of prisoners whose sentences have been arbitrarily extended for years, those who are ill, or whose right to a fair trial has been violated must be resolved. He added, “The legal status of those who have laid down their arms or are willing to do so should be clearly defined. This needs to be secured through legal and constitutional guarantees.”

Kurds must take a leading role

Kaya also touched upon how Kurds should engage with the process and said, “Kurdish politics should not be obstructive, but rather pave the way forward. Demands must be kept on the agenda with patience, through a planned and long-term roadmap.”

He noted that demands such as education in the mother tongue and the recognition of Kurdish as a second official language may be difficult to achieve in the short term, yet stressed that these demands must consistently remain on the agenda through political struggle and social pressure.

Caution is needed regarding Rojava

Ahmet Kaya drew attention to the situation in Syria and Rojava, underlining that Turkey is not the sole determining actor and cannot carry out a large-scale intervention without the approval of international powers. Kaya warned: “Kurds must strengthen their diplomatic relations, particularly with Europe and the United States. Instead of being swayed by Turkey’s domestic rhetoric, they should focus on building strong relations on the international stage.”