HÜDA PAR Chairman Zekeriya Yapıcıoğlu reaffirmed the party's commitment to establishing justice and defending fundamental rights during the party's 5th Ordinary Provincial Congress in Gaziantep.

The congress brought together HÜDA PAR Chairman Zekeriya Yapıcıoğlu, Gaziantep Member of Parliament Şahzade Demir, former Provincial Chairman Faruk Göçer and newly elected Provincial Chairman Mustafa Kaya, who outlined the party's political vision and organizational goals.

'Our cause is to establish truth and justice'

In his keynote address, Yapıcıoğlu said HÜDA PAR would remain faithful to the principles upon which it was founded, stressing that the party's mission extends beyond electoral politics or the pursuit of political office.

"Whatever purpose and intention we set out with on the first day, our understanding of politics must continue to serve that purpose," he said.

"Our cause is not merely a party cause, nor is it about accumulating wealth, gaining fame or occupying positions. Our cause is to make truth prevail and to establish justice on earth. Our goal is to ensure that all people attain the rights and freedoms they deserve. There is no room for fatigue, despair or surrender in this cause."

Zekeriya Yapıcıoğlu

Yapıcıoğlu criticized a political culture dominated by power struggles and unproductive debates, arguing that politics should focus on solving people's problems rather than partisan rivalry.

"Our politics is neither seat politics nor the politics of sterile debates," he said. "Being in opposition does not mean opposing everything, nor is politics merely about replacing those in power. We defend what is right regardless of who says it, and we stand against wrongdoing regardless of who commits it."

Economy remains the people's foremost concern

Turning to domestic issues, Yapıcıoğlu said economic hardship has become the primary concern for ordinary citizens, arguing that political discussions often fail to reflect the realities faced by families.

He pointed to soaring inflation, the rising cost of living, rapidly increasing rents, pensions that remain below the poverty threshold, and minimum wages that have lost purchasing power. He also cited growing unemployment among young people, factory closures, struggling businesses, increasing interest rates and what he described as the weakening of the family institution.

Yapıcıoğlu further criticized Türkiye's economic management, arguing that the current system has failed to provide lasting solutions to the country's financial difficulties. Referring to previous debates over monetary policy, he reiterated the party's opposition to interest-based economic policies and defended references to the Islamic prohibition of usury (riba), saying such principles should not be dismissed in economic discussions.

Gaza remains on the public agenda

Addressing international affairs, Yapıcıoğlu said the humanitarian situation in Gaza continues to weigh heavily on the public conscience, describing Israel's military campaign as an ongoing genocide.

He criticized the failure to implement the terms of the ceasefire agreement, noting that the arrangement had envisaged the evacuation of wounded Palestinians for medical treatment, the entry of humanitarian aid and reconstruction materials, and the transfer of administrative responsibilities to a Palestinian technical committee.

According to Yapıcıoğlu, these commitments were undermined by continued Israeli attacks, including strikes targeting medical facilities.

"As long as the occupation continues, the people of Gaza will continue their resistance," he said.

Şahzade Demir

Gaziantep MP Şahzade Demir praised the outgoing provincial administration for its dedication, emphasizing that positions within HÜDA PAR are regarded as responsibilities of service rather than privileges.

He said the previous administration had spent four years maintaining close contact with citizens through visits to neighborhoods, villages, political parties, civil society representatives and members of the media.

Demir expressed confidence that the newly elected administration would build on these achievements, stressing that expectations have risen following two productive terms and calling for an even more active, dynamic and disciplined organizational effort.

Faruk Göçer

Former Provincial Chairman Faruk Göçer thanked Allah for giving him the opportunity to serve the people of Gaziantep, describing his tenure as one devoted to standing alongside the oppressed and working for justice.

He recalled the organization's engagement with shopkeepers, farmers and young people throughout the province, saying every challenge had been viewed as a test of patience and every success as a blessing from Allah.

Göçer added that the trust and support shown by the people of Gaziantep had strengthened the organization throughout his years in office.

Mustafa Kaya

Newly elected Provincial Chairman Mustafa Kaya concluded the congress by calling on party members to intensify their efforts in serving society.

He said the strength of any movement lies not in its name but in the dedication and sacrifices of its members, urging the organization to remain present among the people in every neighborhood and community.

Kaya stressed that HÜDA PAR members have a duty to continue working tirelessly for justice, honesty and public service, arguing that there is no room for complacency while citizens continue to face economic and social challenges.

The congress concluded with calls for stronger grassroots organization and renewed commitment to HÜDA PAR's stated objectives of promoting justice, protecting family values and addressing both domestic concerns and international humanitarian issues, particularly the situation in Gaza. (ILKHA)