ANALYSIS: AKP Reacts Cautiously to PKK Disbanding Announcement; CHP and DEM Call for Peace Process

The Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) formally announced its dissolution and the end of its armed struggle following its 12th Congress held from May 5–7, 2025. The declaration, released in the early morning hours of May 12, came as a direct response to an earlier call by imprisoned leader Abdullah Öcalan. It marks what observers have called a potentially historic turning point in Turkey’s decades-long conflict with the outlawed group.

AKP: A “Significant Milestone” but Demands Clarity

AKP spokesperson Ömer Çelik acknowledged the announcement as an “important step” toward a “terror-free Turkey.” He stated that all developments would be closely monitored by state institutions and reported to President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. Çelik emphasized that the announcement must be fully and credibly implemented, including the disarmament of all PKK-affiliated groups.

However, Çelik and other senior AKP members expressed concern over certain controversial elements in the PKK’s statement, including criticism of the Treaty of Lausanne and the 1924 Constitution, and references to an alleged Kurdish “genocide.” AKP member Şamil Tayyar condemned those passages, calling them “unacceptable.” Notably, the announcement made no mention of dissolving the broader KCK structure or affiliated YPG units, leading to further unease.

DEM Party: A New Phase Begins

DEM Party Co-Chair Tuncer Bakırhan praised the move, saying, “There is no longer any excuse not to build a democratic Turkey.” Source He expressed hope that the disbanding would open the door to a new peace process.

Party spokesperson Ayşegül Doğan echoed this sentiment, calling it “not merely a disbanding, but the beginning of a new era of construction.” She said Turkey is witnessing “a historic moment in solving a problem that has inflicted deep societal wounds over the past 50 years.” Source

CHP: Peace Must Be Institutionalized

CHP leader Özgür Özel issued a comprehensive statement welcoming the development, stressing that permanent peace requires sincerity, legality, and democratic legitimacy. Özel reiterated his party’s commitment to peace and emphasized that any process must include all political, ethnic, and societal actors. He further stated:

“The CHP is committed to ensuring that peace and democracy are not once again sacrificed to political interests. We call for the full restoration of democratic rights, including an end to trustee appointments, and the release of political prisoners like Ekrem İmamoğlu, Selahattin Demirtaş, and others.” Source

Unresolved Questions

Despite the formal language of dissolution, ambiguity remains around the status of other PKK-affiliated groups such as the KCK and YPG. The announcement’s omission of these elements has led to skepticism from both ruling and opposition quarters. Moreover, references to the Lausanne Treaty and the 1924 Constitution have polarized public opinion, especially within nationalist and conservative segments.

Next Steps

Government sources have indicated that all aspects of the disbandment process will be closely scrutinized. Any effective peace process, they say, must include legal accountability and ensure the complete demilitarization of affiliated groups. Meanwhile, opposition parties are calling for democratic reforms, amnesty legislation, and inclusive dialogue.

As Turkey enters a critical phase, political actors across the spectrum agree on one thing: the coming months will determine whether this moment becomes a genuine new beginning or another missed opportunity.

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