Current Politics

SUMMARY

This section analyzes public reactions, perceptions, and attitudes toward three political developments that occurred between May and June 2025: the PKK's disarmament, operations targeting CHP-run municipalities, and the execution regulation, described as a covert amnesty.

• Do you think the PKK has truly abandoned armed conflict?
• Which of the following statements best describes your view regarding the operations targeting CHP-run municipalities in recent months?
• Which of the following statements best describes your view regarding the regulation passed by Parliament last week, which led to the release of approximately 20,000 prisoners from prison?

While the general public considers the operations against CHP municipalities to be politically motivated, they also disapprove of the execution regulations. Nevertheless, the ruling bloc's voters do not significantly diverge from the ruling party's rhetoric on these matters. While 59% of the public believes the operations are political, the narrative that they are conducted within the scope of 'the fight against corruption' appears to have convinced the ruling bloc voters and middle-aged groups the most. Seven out of every ten people oppose the execution regulation. The strongest support for the regulation comes from DEM Party and AK Party voters. Although support for the execution regulation within the ruling bloc is not as high as it is for the nature of the operations against CHP municipalities, the government appears to have consolidated its voters on this issue as well. Conversely, the 'peace process' remains an area where the government has failed to consolidate its own base. Only 12% of the public believes that the PKK has genuinely laid down its arms. This rate is not particularly high among ruling bloc voters either. Furthermore, the belief among Kurds regarding the PKK’s direct disarmament varies according to political party preference; the belief among AK Party Kurds is higher than that of DEM Party Kurds.