01/10/2025 | 16:17:12 Madam Chair, Esteemed colleagues, Youth movements for democracy are not just political acts, they are moral calls to conscience. They remind us that democracy is not a gift from rulers, it is a right that must be claimed, defended and renewed by every generation. We have seen this in countless corners of the world. In my country, we witnessed it during the Gezi Park protests of 2013. What began as a small gathering to protect trees became a symbol of resistance, a cry for freedom, justice and... 09/04/2025 | 20:01:05 (Undelivered speech, Rules of Procedure Art. 31.2) Mr President, Distinguished Colleagues, Let me begin by expressing my respect for this Assembly and the values that bring us together — democracy, human rights, and the rule of law. These are not just words in a founding treaty; they are principles that must be lived and defended every day. Recent developments in Turkey demand our attention. What began with the arrest of Istanbul’s Mayor, Mr. Ekrem İmamoğlu — a leader elected by millions... 30/01/2025 | 18:59:17 Thank you, Mister Chair, Distinguished colleagues, Social media has provided a vital space for public debate, citizen engagement, and democratic participation. However, it has also brought forth new dilemmas, particularly concerning the balance between combating harmful content and preserving the fundamental right to free speech. Many nations, including my own country Türkiye, have struggled with this delicate balance. Content moderation policies have often been used to limit legitimate... 28/01/2025 | 11:22:42 Madam Chair, Honourable members of the Parliamentary Assembly, The world is facing a profound transformation. Economic inequalities, shifting power dynamics, climate change, and persistent conflicts are straining the very foundations of the global system. At a time when multilateral cooperation is more essential than ever, we are instead witnessing growing fragmentation and a worrying reliance on unilateral measures. The use of unilateral sanctions exemplifies this troubling trend. While... 01/10/2024 | 20:37:36 (Undelivered speech, Rules of Procedure Art. 31.2) Honorable Chair, Esteemed Members I address you today with a deep sense of urgency as the devastating conflict in Gaza and Lebanon continues to unfold, threatening not only regional stability but also global peace. Let me be absolutely clear: I condemn the violent attacks by Hamas on October 7, which targeted innocent civilians, without reservation. Terrorism can never be justified. At the same time, we cannot ignore the deeper roots of... 27/06/2024 | 18:48:16 Dear President, Dear colleagues, I believe that everyone here is well aware of the significant implications that this conflict and the tragic situation in Gaza will have on peace and stability in the region and beyond. Let me be clear. I strongly condemn the horrific acts committed by Hamas on 7 October against innocent civilians. Such violence is indefensible. However, we must address the root cause of the current war in Gaza, which is fundamentally linked to the prolonged occupation. The... 27/06/2024 | 16:01:21 Dear President, Dear colleagues, First, I would like to extend my gratitude to Mr Piero FASSINO for his dedicated work in preparing this report on such a complex subject. The island of Cyprus is home to two distinct communities: Turkish Cypriots and Greek Cypriots. Given this, and considering the importance of the issues addressed in the report, it is crucial that the events between these two communities are presented from a balanced perspective. This balance is particularly vital in a report... 16/04/2024 | 20:09:19 (Undelivered speech, Rules of Procedure Art. 31.2) Thank you, Chair, Since its inception, the Council of Europe has been committed to realizing the vision of “perpetual peace” across the continent, fostering peaceful coexistence among all European nations. This dedication extends to promoting democracy and human rights over a broader territory. In this light, we welcome Kosova’s efforts to join the Council of Europe. Kosova’s potential membership in the Council of Europe is not only a...