In a significant victory for minority representation, Turkey’s DEB Party (Party of Equality and Democracy) has been elected to the European Free Alliance (EFA) leadership during the alliance’s General Assembly held in Nantes, Brittany (France) from May 8–10. The DEB delegation, led by Chairperson Çiğdem Asafoğlu, secured pivotal roles in shaping EFA’s agenda, marking a milestone for the Western Thrace Turkish minority’s voice in Europe.
Key Highlights:
Historic Proposal Approved:
DEB’s motion titled “A Europe for All”—demanding the establishment of an EU Commissioner for Minorities and binding legal recognition of the Minority Safepack (a legislative package protecting minority rights)—passed unanimously. Advocate Kerem Abdurahimoğlu emphasized, “This is a leap toward institutionalizing equality across Europe.”Leadership Election:
Among 34 member parties, DEB’s Kerem Abdurahimoğlu and Pervin Hayrullah won seats on EFA’s executive board with 21 votes, securing influence in the alliance’s policymaking.
Abdurahimoğlu was appointed EFA Vice President, while Spain’s Lorena López De La Calle assumed the presidency.
Advocacy for Western Thrace Turks:
The DEB delegation leveraged the platform to highlight systemic challenges faced by Turkey’s Western Thrace Turkish minority, including education, cultural rights, and discrimination. Meetings with EU Parliament members aimed to amplify their demands for legal reforms.
Strategic Implications:
Direct EU Access: DEB’s EFA leadership grants the Western Thrace community unprecedented access to EU legislative channels, enabling direct advocacy for minority protections.
Strengthened Alliances: The party’s alignment with EFA’s pro-autonomy and minority-rights agenda reinforces its role as a bridge between Turkish minorities and European institutions.
Event Conclusion:
The General Assembly closed with a public forum titled “To Exist, We Must Speak,” underscoring EFA’s commitment to marginalized voices. Chairperson Asafoğlu stated, “Our inclusion ensures that the struggles of Western Thrace Turks will no longer be sidelined in Europe.”
#DemocracyInAction #CulturalRights #EUReform
As DEB assumes its EFA role, Europe watches how this partnership will reshape minority policy—and whether symbolic wins translate into tangible change. 🌍✊
This article distills the original text into a structured news format, emphasizing political strategy, minority advocacy, and regional impact. Let me know if adjustments are needed!
No comments:
Post a Comment