HÜDA PAR Chairman Zekeriya Yapıcıoğlu delivered a wide-ranging address during the party's 5th Ordinary Congresses in Gaziantep's Şahinbey and Şehitkamil districts.

"Congresses mean renewal, fresh blood, a flag race and a race of service," he said. "We compete not through hostility but in goodness and piety. As long as we preserve this spirit, our cause will continue to grow."

Vote Share More Than Doubled

Highlighting the party's electoral performance in Gaziantep, Yapıcıoğlu said HÜDA PAR had significantly expanded its support base.

"In the two elections we entered under our own name and logo—the 2018 parliamentary elections and the 2024 local elections—we increased our votes by 116 percent," he said. "This success was achieved not through television appearances or social media posts, but through dedicated volunteers who knocked on doors and reached people's hearts."

Call for a Civil Constitution

Turning to constitutional reform, Yapıcıoğlu argued that Türkiye should replace the current charter, which was drafted following the 1980 military coup.

"Türkiye has been governed under the 1982 coup constitution for 44 years," he said. "Although it has undergone numerous amendments, the coup mentality remains."

He maintained that the authority to draft a constitution belongs to the people and their elected representatives.

"This nation has the right to make its own constitution," Yapıcıoğlu said. "The country deserves a civilian constitution that embraces every segment of society and enables every citizen to say, 'This is my country, this is my administration, this is my constitution.'"

'Brotherhood Needs a Legal Framework'

Addressing the ongoing "Terror-Free Türkiye" process and discussions surrounding the PKK's announced dissolution, Yapıcıoğlu emphasized the need for legal reforms.

He noted that HÜDA PAR had submitted an 11-point legislative proposal to President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and Parliament in late 2025 concerning the process.

"We have spoken extensively about the literature of brotherhood," he said. "Now we must establish its legal framework."

According to Yapıcıoğlu, decades of violence and the longstanding Kurdish issue require a comprehensive approach.

"If the law of brotherhood is violated and the rights of brothers are not fulfilled, brotherhood itself is damaged," he said. "Then those who seek to create discord find an opportunity."

Warning Over Regional Threats

Yapıcıoğlu also devoted a significant portion of his speech to developments in the Middle East, arguing that Israeli policies pose broader regional risks.

He said what he described as "Zionist aggression" predates the establishment of Israel in 1948 and warned that regional attacks would not remain confined to Palestine.

"When Gaza was attacked, we said these assaults would not remain limited there," he stated. "Subsequently, Syria, Lebanon, Yemen, Iran and Iraq also came under attack."

He further claimed that strengthening Türkiye's internal unity had become a strategic necessity.

"Now they openly say that one of their next targets is Türkiye," Yapıcıoğlu said. "Before attacking from outside, they look for collaborators within. Therefore, strengthening the internal front is no longer merely a recommendation but an urgent necessity."

Gaza Crisis Continues

Commenting on the humanitarian situation in Gaza, Yapıcıoğlu said that violence and restrictions had persisted despite ceasefire announcements.

He alleged that nearly 1,000 Palestinians had been killed following the ceasefire and accused Israel of failing to uphold commitments related to humanitarian assistance.

"Humanitarian aid remains restricted," he said. "The agreed number of aid trucks entering Gaza has not been reached, while hospitals, schools and critical infrastructure have been devastated."

He rejected calls for Hamas to disarm under existing conditions.

"Demanding that Palestinians surrender while attacks continue is unacceptable," Yapıcıoğlu said.

Economic Concerns

Yapıcıoğlu criticized current economic policies, arguing that efforts to curb inflation through tight monetary measures had produced unintended consequences.

"There is no money circulating in the market, yet inflation has not fallen sufficiently," he said. "High interest rates and stagnation are increasing concordats and bankruptcies."

Family Policies and Alimony Debate

The HÜDA PAR leader also addressed family issues, youth support and the debate over indefinite alimony.

He reiterated his party's position that indefinite alimony constitutes an injustice while emphasizing that vulnerable women should receive direct state support.

"The objective is not to abolish alimony entirely," he said. "Women who cannot support themselves and have nobody responsible for their care should be supported by the state."

Yapıcıoğlu further stated that women should not be compelled to work due to economic hardship.

"If a woman cannot work and has no one to care for her, the state should provide for all of her essential needs," he said.

Support for Young Families

Concluding his remarks, Yapıcıoğlu called for stronger support mechanisms to encourage marriage and family formation among young people.

He proposed replacing marriage loans with non-refundable grants and suggested establishing apartment-style housing facilities for married university students.

"We have advocated these policies since the founding of our party," he said. "Young people who wish to establish families should be supported, not burdened with debt. We will continue to follow these issues closely."

The congresses concluded with the election of district administrations and renewed pledges from party members to expand HÜDA PAR's outreach efforts across Gaziantep. (ILKHA)