Against Authoritarianism: Strengthening the Fight for Democracy and Justice in Turkey
19th International Conference on the European Union, Turkey, the Middle East and the Kurds gathered Left MEPs, trade unions, NGOs, civil society in the European Parliament in the wake of PKK ceasefire.
The Left in the European Parliament hosted the 19th International Conference on the European Union, Turkey, the Middle East and the Kurds at a time of intensifying global conflicts and deepening political crises in the Middle East. While discussions on a political solution to the Kurdish question continue in Turkey, the government’s escalating repression, marked by the mass arrests of at least 92 people including Istanbul’s democratically-elected mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu, has raised significance concerns over the authoritarian nature of the Erdoğan regime.
Erdoğan’s regime has tightened its grip by banning social media platforms and criminalising opposition voices in order to silence protest and crush resistance. Yet, despite these blatant attacks on democracy, the EU has continued its appeasement of the regime, prioritising economic deals and migration agreements over fundamental rights and freedoms. This complicity has enabled the regime’s crackdown. The Left has called for the EU to go beyond empty statements of concern, and to support those resisting repression and fighting for justice in Turkey.
Left MEP Özlem Demirel (Die Linke, Germany) said: “Turkey is at a crossroads: open autocracy or the end of the long Erdoğan regime. This is why the regime is taking ever-tougher action against the protests, which are spreading throughout the country. Words of concern from the EU are not enough, there must be no more direct or indirect support for the Erdoğan regime, no arms cooperation – no dirty deals. I call on the EU not to stab the opposition and the democracy movement in the back.”
Left MEP Jonas Sjöstedt (Vänsterpartiet, Sweden) :”Human rights without double standards. True democracy in Turkey cannot exist without the Kurdish movement.”
Left MEP Li Andersson (Vasemmistoliitto, Finland) :”We are at a crucial point in history. Erdogan’s authoritarianism is not new—what’s new is the bold disregard for international law. The EU must stop turning a blind eye and stand against double standards, hypocrisy, and human rights violations.”
Left MEP Per Clausen (Enhedslisten, Denmark): “We must react to Erdogan’s attacks—sanctions, travel bans, asylum for activists. Solidarity must be upheld everywhere.”
Left MEP Leila Chaibi (La France Insoumise, France): “We must fight relentlessly for democracy. The EU must act without double standards against Erdogan’s autocracy. Sanctions, justice, solidarity—we will keep fighting.”
