Şahzade Demir, HÜDA PAR Deputy Chairman and Gaziantep MP, delivered a powerful press conference at the Grand National Assembly of Turkey, addressing pressing national and international issues.

Demir opened his remarks with a sharp rebuke of the newly adopted Climate Law, which he described as hastily passed without adequate public consultation or economic impact assessment. He argued that Türkiye, as a developing nation, should not be subjected to the same environmental standards as major industrial polluters like the United States and China.

 “Türkiye cannot be expected to bear the same burden as nations that have polluted the planet for decades to build their wealth,” Demir stated. He expressed concern over the Emission Trading System (ETS), warning that it risks imposing heavy economic costs and fostering structural dependency on external frameworks. 

Demir also criticized the law’s high administrative fines, which he said could deter investment and disproportionately harm small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). “This law lacks practical mechanisms for environmental protection and instead threatens economic stagnation through bureaucratic overreach,” he warned, calling for a balanced approach that prioritizes Türkiye’s economic sovereignty and environmental goals.

Pension Reform: Ensuring Dignity for All

Turning to domestic social issues, Demir reiterated HÜDA PAR’s legislative proposal to align pensions with the minimum wage. He emphasized that no pensioner—whether retired, disabled, widowed, orphaned, or elderly—should receive an income below the legal minimum wage, which he described as the baseline for a dignified life.

“To pay pensions below the minimum wage is to deny our citizens their fundamental right to survival,” Demir said. “This is not charity—it is a matter of justice and social responsibility.” He underscored the urgency of addressing pension disparities to strengthen social cohesion, particularly in an aging society where economic pressures on retirees are growing.

Constitutional Reform: A Break from the Past

Demir welcomed recent statements by Speaker of Parliament Numan Kurtulmuş advocating for a new constitution, describing the current 1982 Constitution as a relic of military rule that stifles the nation’s democratic aspirations. “This constitution was imposed by a junta, not crafted by the will of the people,” he said. “It reflects an authoritarian mindset that has no place in modern Türkiye.” 

He called for a collaborative, inclusive process involving all political parties to draft a new constitution rooted in fairness, equality, and the nation’s cultural and spiritual values. “A new constitution must protect every citizen, regardless of identity, and embody the collective will of our people,” Demir urged, framing the reform as a historic opportunity for national unity.

Migrant Rights: A Call for Compassion and Transparency

Demir raised alarms over what he described as systemic violations of migrant and asylum seeker rights in Türkiye. He cited troubling trends, including forced deportations mislabeled as voluntary returns, restricted access to education and healthcare, arbitrary detentions, and barriers to legal representation. “These are not isolated cases—they indicate a broader erosion of human dignity and legal protections,” he warned. 

Criticizing the lack of transparency in migration governance, Demir called for greater involvement of experts and civil society in policy decisions. “Migration management must prioritize integration, legality, and compassion over a security-first approach,” he said. He also urged the public to reject rising xenophobia and discrimination, emphasizing that migrants and asylum seekers deserve respect and fair treatment.

Gaza Genocide: A Moral Imperative for Action

In his most impassioned remarks, Demir condemned the ongoing genocide in Gaza, accusing the Israeli regime of weaponizing starvation and targeting civilians seeking basic necessities like food. “Dozens are massacred daily just for a sack of flour. Hunger has become a tool of war,” he said, decrying the international community’s silence as complicity in the atrocities. 

Demir singled out Islamic countries that have normalized relations with Israel under the Abraham Accords, calling their actions “a historic betrayal.” “While Palestinian children are bombed, starved, and orphaned, some nations choose to embrace an apartheid regime. This is a stain on human conscience,” he declared. 

He called for unified action by the Islamic world, including political, economic, and diplomatic measures to isolate Israel and support Palestinians. “This genocidal regime must face consequences—not just words, but tangible action,” Demir insisted. He also urged Turkish society to remain vocal and proactive, stating: “Neutrality in the face of genocide is complicity. We have a duty to act.”

A Vision for a Just Future

Demir concluded by reaffirming HÜDA PAR’s commitment to social justice, human rights, and a principled foreign policy. He called on the government to address domestic inequalities, reform migration policies, and take a leading role in confronting global injustices like the Gaza crisis. “Türkiye must stand on the right side of history,” he said, urging both political leaders and citizens to act with courage and conviction.

The press conference highlighted HÜDA PAR’s growing influence as a voice for systemic change, blending domestic policy reform with a strong stance on international human rights issues. Demir’s remarks are likely to resonate with those advocating for economic fairness, constitutional renewal, and a more assertive role for Türkiye in addressing global crises. (ILKHA)