While Turkey was going to the elections, a union was formed on the left that would go beyond the elections. At the call of the TKP, Left Party, TKH and the Revolution Movement, the Socialist Union of Forces was established.
“We are going through one of the most critical periods in the history of the Republic. As in every stage of the struggle against the AKP and the order it represents, we will fully fulfill our responsibilities today,” the statement said.
We talked with Kemal Okuyan, the Secretary General of the TKP, which is in the union, about the purpose and objectives of the union, as well as the attitude to be taken in the elections.
For what need was the Socialist Power Union established, what is its main purpose?
* The Socialist Power Union was established to create a united and organized movement for those who adopt the goal of a secular and independent Turkey as a flag and defend the interests of the working people.
* Different political structures met on common ground and decided to act with a principled and directional framework, unlike existing alliances that were embedded in electoral negotiations.
WE LEARNED FROM PAST EXPERIENCES
In the past, there were formations formed by left parties coming together. (June Movement etc.) What do you think is the difference between this union and the previous ones?
* The period is different, the conditions are different, our starting point is different. We learned from the experiments we had in the past, but more importantly, we left behind an evaluation process about what we should do today and in the near future.
* We examined what previous formations have achieved and what they have not, and we have come to some conclusions. It is obvious that we will be more successful if we do not ignore our basic principles and goals, which are our starting point.
Turkey is going to a very important election. Can we describe the Socialist Forces Union as the 3rd alliance?
* The Socialist Power Union is not a formation that limits itself only to elections. However, we are in the election period and naturally there are those who call the Union of Forces the 3rd alliance.
* After all, we are acting with the aim of not condemning the society in Turkey to taking sides in a policy determined by the People’s and Nation Alliances. In this sense, we represent a different side.
* The party we represent is in Turkey, which has a weight far above its current voting potential. Undoubtedly, we want this to be reflected in the vote, but our main goal is to increase the organized power of the people in Turkey.
How will the Union behave in the elections? Has this been discussed, what do you think about the 2023 elections?
* Of course, we are also talking about the upcoming elections. Currently, three of the four political entities participating in the Socialist Forces are qualified to participate in the parliamentary elections.
* Even if these parties participate in the elections separately, they will defend the principles of the Unity of Power. Beyond that, we are considering how we can strengthen the cooperation in the elections.
ONE OF OUR PRIORITIES IS THE END OF AKP POWER
Turkey will also elect a president. With the new system, this choice has become even more important. What will be the attitude of the Socialist Power Union in the Presidential election? Are you saying that we will not support the candidate of the Nation Alliance in any way, or if there is a reasonable partner candidate, can you support it?
* The Socialist Power Union will act with the same principles in the Presidential elections. We will tell the broadest segments of society what we stand for, and we will try to create a real alternative.
* However, one of our priorities is the end of AKP rule. In this sense, we are evaluating all these options, we will look at the developments. The politics and ideology of the Nation Alliance are clear.
* It is out of the question for a candidate to come out from there to be reasonable for us. We will decide according to what will be the healthiest for the working people rather than the candidate.
* On the other hand, it is clear how we will respond to attempts to further reduce the already weakened resistance of Turkish society.
HDP HAS DIFFERENT PRIORITIES
It seems that there will be another alliance led by HDP and joined by many leftist parties. You also attended these meetings. Why was a separate union created?
* We have been saying for years that the socialist movement in Turkey should get rid of the shadow of CHP and HDP. HDP has different priorities and preferences.
* It is obvious that there is a mismatch between the direction of the framework we have explained in writing and these priorities and preferences.
* Ignoring these inconsistencies in order to be elected as a deputy is not an approach we can adopt.
* Turkey is already in this darkness; He came with the idea that salvation is the easy way out by choice, and with choices for the best of evil. Now is the time to put an end to this.