24/04/2026 | 10:17:32 Mister President, Dear colleagues, I would like to speak today about values at the heart of a just and prosperous society: freedom, democracy, and human rights – and about a man whose journey embodies the struggle for all three: Mr Ekrem İMAMOĞLU. Mr Ekrem İMAMOĞLU’s political story is not just about winning elections; it is about reaffirming the power of the people. His historic victory in the Istanbul mayoral elections, not once but three times, proved that citizens will defend their... 23/04/2026 | 11:38:04 Madam President, Esteemed colleagues, The Middle East is facing an increasingly fragile and interconnected crisis. What we are witnessing today is not a series of isolated developments, but a broader pattern. Continued violations of international law risk further destabilising the region and undermining prospects for lasting peace. The erosion of legal norms combined with persistence of armed confrontations is deepening insecurity rather than resolving it, with serious consequences for... 22/04/2026 | 13:45:15 (Undelivered speech, Rules of Procedure Art. 31.2) Mr President, Esteemed Colleagues, The Istanbul Convention stands as the most comprehensive legal frameworks in its field. It is built on a fundamental truth: violence against women is not a private matter, but a structural violation of human rights. However, experience has shown that adoption is merely the first step. For the Convention to be effective, it must exist beyond legal texts, it must live within our institutions, our policies, and... 21/04/2026 | 16:47:35 Mister President, Democracy is built on shared commitment to dialogue, pluralism and mutual respect. When these principles are undermined, democracy is placed at risk. We are witnessing an alarming rise in threats, harassment and violence directed at politicians, from physical assaults and intimidation to the pervasive spread of hate speech and incitement online. This trend has far-reaching consequences. First, it creates a climate of fear. When politicians are subjected to threats and abuse... 28/01/2026 | 13:02:23 Undelivered speech, Rules of Procedure Art. 31.2. Mr President, Esteemed Colleagues, Democracy is not inherited. It is renewed generation after generation by those who believe in its promise. And nowhere is this renewal more visible than in the energy, creativity, courage, and determination of young people. We have seen this vividly. During the Gezi Park uprising in Turkey, thousands of young people from diverse backgrounds, beliefs, and political opinions stood up to defend civic space... 27/01/2026 | 18:32:11 Mister President, Distinguished colleagues, The challenges before us are not isolated crises, but interconnected tests of our collective resolve to safeguard peace. For nearly four years, Ukrainian people have shown extraordinary courage in defending their sovereignty, democracy, and right to determine their future. Their struggle is not just national, but also a stand for the principles that underpin peace and security in Europe. Supporting Ukraine means committing to comprehensive, just... 26/01/2026 | 18:13:24 (Undelivered speech, Rules of Procedure Art. 31.2) Madam Chair, Esteemed colleagues, I would first like to congratulate the rapporteurs of this joint debate. In addressing the Monitoring Committee’s work in 2025, particularly regarding Türkiye, I would like to speak about values that lie at the heart of a just and prosperous society, freedom, democracy, and human rights, and about a man whose journey embodies the significance of these principles: Ekrem İMAMOĞLU. His story is not simply... 26/01/2026 | 17:39:03 (Undelivered speech, Rules of Procedure Art. 31.2) Madam Chair, Esteemed colleagues, As members of the international community, we share a responsibility to uphold the rule of law, protect fundamental rights, and ensure that justice mechanisms remain credible, impartial, and effective. In this spirit, as the Republican People's Party, we believe Turkey’s engagement with the international justice system should be rooted in genuine partnership, one where international institutions help to... 02/10/2025 | 20:17:29 (Undelivered speech, Rules of Procedure Art. 31.2) Dear President, esteemed colleagues, Democracy is not just about casting votes every few years. It is about protecting citizens’ rights every single day. And political parties are the guardians of this principle. They give people a voice, transform demands into policies, and ensure governments are accountable. Political parties are essential to representing people’s will in every democracy. They unite millions who share common values. However... 02/10/2025 | 11:58:11 Mister President. Distinguished colleagues, Today, Gaza faces one of the most devastating humanitarian catastrophes of our time: thousands of civilians killed, families displaced, and schools and hospitals destroyed. Last night, flagrantly violating international law, Israeli forces intercepted the Global Sumud Flotilla, a peaceful civilian mission in international waters delivering life-saving aid. This is another example of the brutal silencing of all who resist Israel’s atrocities...