Rebecca Harms, Greens/EFA Member of the European Parliament and expert on Turkey, together with the EP-Turkey Forum*, has issued a statement concerning these election results:
“We congratulate those who won seats and welcome
the plurality of the new parliament with the Peoples' Democratic Party (HDP)
having managed to surpass the 10% threshold and the introduction of İYİ (Good)
Party . However, the ongoing state of
emergency and the disproportionate measures resulting from it, have led
to an uneven playing field for the opposition parties and candidates
competing for the vote resulting in an unfair election. Especially when
it comes to the lack of independent media and silencing of critical
journalism.”
“As warned by the Venice Commission, the new presidential system that
now enters into force lacks the necessary checks and balances required
to safeguard democracy and the rule of law, which are basic conditions
for EU membership.”
“Following his campaign promise, we call on President Erdoğan to lift
the state of emergency as a matter of urgency as well as to return to
the rule of law.”
“Finally, we would like to praise Turkish citizens for showing continuous engagement to democracy and transparency by participating massively in the election and protecting the ballot box.”
*About the European Parliament Turkey Forum
The EP-Turkey Forum is a cross-party non-partisan platform composed of
sixty members of the European Parliament, which promotes high-level
discussions between European and Turkish officials, decision-makers,
civil society and business actors. The aim of the forum is to advance a
well-informed debate on issues related to EU-Turkey relations while
serving as a bridge between Turkey and the EU.
MEPs Anna Maria Corazza Bildt (EPP) and Ismail Ertug (S&D) are the
co-chairs of the EP-Turkey Forum. MEPs Rebecca Harms (Greens/EFA), Javi
López (S&D), Kati Piri (S&D), Marietje Schaake (ALDE) and Jordi
Solé (Greens/EFA) are the vice-chairs.
