Turkey's parliament passes Öcalan-backed law with 467 votes despite constitutional warnings
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Turkey's parliament passed a controversial legal framework drafted with imprisoned PKK leader Abdullah Öcalan in a 467–592 vote on Wednesday, as the main opposition CHP and others joined the ruling bloc despite constitutional objections. The nationalist İYİ Party alone voted against the bill, while the Islamist Yeniden Refah abstained. The outcome triggered a wave of disillusionment among secular-nationalist voters.
The Parliamentary Vote
On Wednesday, 467 of Turkey's 592 MPs voted in favor of the framework legislation, which had been prepared with input from Abdullah Öcalan, the imprisoned leader of the outlawed Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK). The bill was backed by the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP), its far-right ally the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP), and the pro-Kurdish DEM Party. The main opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP) and the center-right YENİ Parti also supported the measure, while the İYİ Party voted no and the Islamist Yeniden Refah abstained.
Constitutional Concerns and Political Reversals
Legal experts had warned the law violates multiple constitutional provisions, yet the majority of deputies ignored these objections. CHP leader Özgür Özel, who previously vowed never to amend the constitution with the ruling bloc, said his party would not put its right to say ‘no’ above the nation’s right to peace. The left-wing Workers’ Party of Turkey (TİP) also endorsed the bill despite criticizing the process, joining what critics call a ‘yes, but’ coalition. Only the İYİ Party held firm in its opposition, decrying the law as unconstitutional.
Secular-Nationalist Backlash
The vote has caused a deep fracture among Turkey’s secular-nationalist voters, with many expressing irrevocable disappointment in the main opposition parties. Some formerly staunch CHP supporters say they will no longer engage with any political party, while others consider shifting to the nationalist İYİ Party, Zafer Party, or left-wing groups that opposed what they called an ‘imperialist plan.’ Pro-CHP commentators on social media have launched efforts to frame the yes vote as a strategic masterstroke, but skepticism remains high.
What's Next
The vote is likely to reshape opposition dynamics in the run-up to local elections, as party leaders scramble to contain fallout from angry grassroots. Whether the CHP and YENİ Parti can mend ties with their secular base remains uncertain.
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Turkey's parliament passes Öcalan-backed law with 467 votes despite constitutional warnings
