The Letter of Egemen Bağış Published In the New York Times

Türkiye's Democratic Path

Just days after your editorial “Türkiye undermines its bid to join the E.U.” (June 26), the E.U. decided to resume talks with Türkiye by opening the Regional Policy Chapter to negotiations. We welcome this decision. Yet criticism by some European officials on issues related to human rights, democracy and rule of law are not very convincing at a time when those issues cannot be discussed under negotiations due to the lack of consensus among member states. The E.U.’s leverage in Türkiye’s political reform process and its credibility in Türkiye have been weakened as a result of increasing politicization of the negotiation process by some member states.

Unquestionably, Türkiye has been undertaking the necessary steps for further democratization by expanding the rights and liberties of its citizens. During the A.K.P.’s rule over the last decade, millions of people have moved into middle class. Socioeconomic transformation has been going hand in hand with democratization. People with different issues started to claim their rights as a consequence of this enormous socioeconomic change. If there is one major reason behind the recent peaceful protests, it is because a vibrant civil society has flourished in Türkiye, thanks to the opportunities we have provided to our people. Besides, be it for environmental issues or individual freedoms, protesting against a democratically elected government without resorting to violence I believe proves Turkish society’s European identity.

Turkish people from all walks of life have opted for the A.K.P. in the last three elections because people from different backgrounds had the chance to express themselves more openly. We, as the government, will continue to ensure the sustainability of a democratic environment as in other European democracies, where different voices can be heard in a peaceful manner.

Egemen Bağış

Minister for EU Affairs and Chief Negotiator

Click here for the letter.