Dervişoğlu backs Bahçeli on ECHR rulings: Decisions overdue

By Ahmet Taş | Wise News Press

ANKARA, TÜRKIYE — IYI Party Chairperson Müsavat Dervişoğlu has expressed support for Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) leader Devlet Bahçeli's recent remarks regarding the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR), acknowledging that the implementation of these rulings is long overdue. However, Dervişoğlu drew a sharp line against any initiatives that would offer "hope" to PKK leader Abdullah Öcalan, criticizing the government's handling of justice and national security.

Speaking to reporters after his party's parliamentary group meeting, Dervişoğlu evaluated the current political debate surrounding the "right to hope" and international court rulings. He emphasized the necessity of the rule of law while maintaining a hardline stance against terrorism.

"Giving hope to a criminal is not politics"

Referencing Bahçeli’s previous comments that legal paths should be followed regarding ECHR decisions, Dervişoğlu stated that complying with high court rulings is a constitutional obligation.

"Since I started politics, I have displayed my views on the rule of law and compliance with the Constitution. The implementation of the European Court of Human Rights decisions and the Constitutional Court decisions is a delayed situation," Dervişoğlu said.

However, he sharply criticized the narrative around Öcalan, adding, "Attempting to give hope to a criminal [Öcalan] or trying to cultivate hope on his behalf is not the duty of politicians. Therefore, I hope politicians stop meddling in matters that courts should decide."

Warning on the earthquake anniversary

Addressing the upcoming anniversary of the February 6 earthquakes, Dervişoğlu criticized the government for failing to update the National Earthquake Strategy and Action Plan, which expired in 2023.

"The great destruction experienced was not just a natural disaster but the result of negligence, lack of inspection, and wrong management choices," he asserted. Dervişoğlu warned that with the impending threat of an Istanbul earthquake, no official has the right to call the outcome "fate" in the next disaster.

Call to "Resettle Anatolia"

Dervişoğlu highlighted the unsustainable population and economic density in Istanbul, noting that one-third of Turkey's population and GDP are squeezed into four provinces.

He proposed a "Resettle Anatolia" strategy, clarifying that this is not a forced migration plan but a vision to balance production, industry, agriculture, and investment across the country. He also claimed that approximately $93 billion in public resources had been wasted due to poor economic policies, arguing that these funds could have been used to prepare cities for earthquakes and increase citizens' welfare.

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