BY MURAT YETKIN
RADIKAL- The Republican People`s Party (CHP) changed its program yesterday, at a time when both Turkey and the world are facing major transformations. The first factor forcing the CHP`s hand is this wave of change. In 2008, we`re seeing the collapse of a spoiled, aggressive type of capitalism which ignores human concerns, just like the oppressive socialism unconcerned with people was wiped out with the 1991 collapse of the Soviet Union. So it can be said that the globe is on the threshold of an era in which social justice and social democracy have greater importance. Nor is there any way for Turkey to stay outside of this. Turkey has become closer to political, economic, financial and social developments in the world thanks to our EU reforms over 2002-2005, with the CHP`s help as well.
At a time when Europe is suffering financial and political shockwaves, the opposition CHP should reposition itself, as should the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP). The debate over certain AKP policies is making people look to the CHP. Back in 1994, the CHP program had strong political goals due to conditions back then. Abolition of the death penalty, the end of State Security Courts (DGM), expanding compulsory primary education, allowing Kurdish and other mother tongues and similar democratization goals were realized thanks to many EU harmonization reforms.
As the AKP is the ruling party, the CHP didn`t get any credit, but it did support all these changes. It can be hardly said that the new CHP program passed yesterday has the memorable goals of its 1994 platform. CHP dissidents yesterday charged that the revised program was voted in hurriedly without proper debate. CHP leader Deniz Baykal`s presentation shows that the party will shift from a rhetoric some members find overly nationalistic towards a stance stressing social justice and democracy. By accepting a woman wearing a chador as a CHP member, Baykal started to break the self-spun CHP cocoon of nationalistic rhetoric. Yet how will they be able to provide these changes within the CHP`s structure, which many criticize as clumsy?
Will this new program change the reinforced concrete structure? These are questions awaiting answers. The CHP raising its visibility as an alternative to the ruling party is also very important for Turkish democracy. The first test of the success of yesterday`s congress along these lines will be seen in the local elections in three months.