HDP leader applauds surprising conciliation at Turkish Parliament over omnibus bill

Upon a joint proposal tabled by all four parties represented at parliament, the HDP, the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP), the main opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP), and the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP), an article outlining moving the centers of two southeastern provinces to respective districts and renaming the provinces after the districts was removed from a government-led omnibus bill.

In the early hours of Aug. 19, an article aimed at appointing trustees to the municipalities was also withdrawn from the controversial omnibus bill.

“It is important that conciliation on the matters of trustees and Hakkari-Şırnak has been secured. Insisting on wrongdoing cannot benefit anybody. The pursuit of similar quests for conciliation, in the direction of a solution to society’s urgent problems, will benefit the entire country,” said HDP co-chair Selahattin Demirtaş in messages posted to his Twitter account.

“Considering politics as a mechanism of solution and making it work, instead of considering it as a tool for grudges and revenge, is a duty for everyone,” Demirtaş added.

“The HDP will contribute to all kinds of cooperation that will contribute to comprehensive-principled conciliation and peace on all important issues including the new constitution,” he stated.

The omnibus bill at parliament includes arrangements concerning project-based incentive plans and tax incentive in renewal of trade vehicles, as well as arrangements concerning private foundation universities.