Türkiye Parliament passes landmark Terror-Free Law
Türkiye’s Parliament on Monday approved a landmark 12-article law supporting the country’s “Terror-Free Türkiye” initiative, marking a major political step toward ending the PKK’s armed presence.
The Law on Strengthening National Solidarity and Social Integration passed with 468 votes in favor and 88 against, with 562 lawmakers participating and six abstentions.
The legislation, backed by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) leader Devlet Bahçeli, was approved after months of political efforts and earlier cleared Parliament’s Justice Committee following more than 17 hours of deliberations.
Parliament Speaker Numan Kurtulmuş called the vote a “historic achievement,” saying the broad consensus represented a success for Türkiye as a whole.
“The next stage is for the terrorist organization to fully lay down its arms and dissolve itself,” Kurtulmuş said.
Communications Director Burhanettin Duran said the legislation demonstrated the political resolve behind the initiative and would strengthen national unity and solidarity.
Next phase focuses on disarmament
AK Party Deputy Chair Efkan Ala said a parliamentary commission would monitor the next stage once the law takes effect.
Authorities are expected to verify the surrender of weapons and ammunition and the dissolution of the organization. The findings will then be assessed by the National Security Council, with subsequent decisions published in the Official Gazette.
Ala said the organization would be dismantled “with all its elements, both at home and abroad, including in Europe.”
Justice Minister Akın Gürlek said the initiative would help Türkiye overcome the longstanding costs of terrorism and establish lasting peace, security and social unity.
Broad political support
Opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP) leader Özgür Özel announced his party’s support for the legislation, saying it would not obstruct efforts to achieve peace.
“We will not stand in the way of peace so that we no longer receive news of martyrs,” Özel said.
MHP leader Bahçeli applauded Özel’s remarks in Parliament, highlighting the broad political backing for the initiative despite differences among parties over the process.
