Selahattin Demirtaş: It is now time to talk about the future, rather than the AKP

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Peoples' Democratic Party (HDP) former Co-Chair Selahattin Demirtaş has sent a message from Edirne Prison via his attorneys.

In his message shared on his official Twitter account, Demirtaş has underlined that "it is now time to talk about the future, rather than the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP)." He has also stressed that the country's "future cannot be built by solely opposing to the AKP."

Demirtaş has briefly stated the following:

"It is - of course - a must to wage an effective struggle for democracy both inside and outside the Parliament. In doing this, we should not refrain from standing or being seen side by side without making any distinctions between Turk-Kurd, Alevi-Sunni or secular-conservative.

"Turkey belongs to us all. We are Turkey all together. So, we need to display the virtue of ruling together and building the future together.

'Opposition should offer a strong alternative'

"Future cannot be built by solely opposing to the AKP. It is now time to talk about the future, rather than the AKP.

"The AKP will lose in the first election. However, in the meantime, it is the historical responsibility of the opposition to offer a strong alternative that will empower the society based on principles of democracy.

"The opposition should know see itself as the rulers of the near future and, with this earnestness, it needs to directly meet with the people by presenting joint solution offers. Not only the political parties, but the media, academia, intellectual community and civil society organizations should also hold events to come together with the people.

"The HDP is doing this now. However, it is not enough. The opposition as a whole should be able to come together in the same events such as forums, panels, conferences and workshops in 81 provinces and all districts. The future of Turkey needs to be clarified by speaking with the people and the power of the people needs to be made visible.

'Start preparing for the elections'

"And all parties should already start preparing for the elections (in such a way to ensure election safety). The next election will be the most important and greatest election of Turkey's political history. With this election, there will emerge the opportunity to rebuild democracy in real terms.

"Therefore, be both hopeful and resolute; be both anxious and courageous. We are almost there. The good will win, we will win all together." (EKN/SD)