CHP Leader Baykal Calls for Secularism, Global Equity at Socialist International

Deniz Baykal, leader of Türkiye's main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP), addressed the Socialist International conference in Santiago in November 2006, touching on terrorism, democratic governance, and global inequality.

Baykal argued that genuine democracy cannot take root in Muslim-majority nations without a secular foundation, pointing to U.S. efforts in Iraq as evidence. He said attempts to align the Iraqi constitution with religious law represented a fundamental policy error.

On global economics, Baykal warned that the widening gap between wealthy and developing nations demands a reassessment of institutions such as the United Nations, the World Bank, and the IMF. He cautioned that continued neglect of poverty in less-developed regions could eventually spark violent conflict between rich and poor nations.

Baykal also urged international support for democratic progress worldwide, warning against policies that could inflame ethnic, religious, or cultural divisions.

Historical summary. TurkishPress restated this wire report, first published in November 2006, in its own words.