The 12th Congress of the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) was convened after Abdullah Öcalan issued his "Call for Peace and a Democratic Society" on 27 February, and it adopted historic decisions. These decisions not only gave new momentum to discussions on a democratic resolution of the Kurdish question but also resonated widely on an international scale. The resolutions adopted at the congress are seen as opening the way for a genuine peace process, and numerous statements of support have come from international circles, especially in Europe.

The steps taken by Abdullah Öcalan and the PKK, which strengthen the pursuit of a peaceful and democratic solution to the Kurdish issue, have also led to calls for the state to take concrete and inclusive steps toward a resolution. Growing international support and rising public expectations send a strong message that this historic opportunity must not be missed.

Massimiliano De Conca, Secretary General of the Education Workers’ Union of Italy (FLC CGIL) in Lombardy, spoke to ANF about recent political developments.

De Conca described the PKK’s 12th Congress decisions and Mr. Öcalan’s “Call for Peace and a Democratic Society” on 27 February as a major opportunity for a democratic solution to the Kurdish question. He stressed that for this process to succeed, the Turkish state must take concrete steps. Highlighting the importance of Mr. Öcalan’s freedom and ideas, De Conca stated, “Öcalan’s ideas offer a solution to the crisis of democracy we are currently living in.”

Not an end, but a new beginning

De Conca said that the PKK’s dissolution is not the end, but the beginning of something new and stated: “I believe that the principles and final decisions of the PKK’s 12th Congress are extraordinary. Abandoning violence and adopting a perspective of dialogue that can bring peoples closer together is the best solution today. This is not the end of an era or merely of a party, it is the beginning of a new political path.

It is not an end, but a new beginning. That is one of the slogans and expressions of the congress itself. I understand that this may frighten those who see violence and colonialism as the only solution to international conflicts. In contrast, Mr. Öcalan is proposing a path of dialogue that could lead to joint progress and this is the only true solution. The 12th Congress aims to launch a broader freedom movement; I understand and support this.

The dissolution of the PKK’s organizational structure and the abandonment of armed struggle as a central strategy opens a new path for the Kurdish people’s struggle for freedom and a democratic society. This is the only viable path visible today. The necessary conditions now exist to lay the foundations for a long-term process. Of course, we know this is not easy. But it is a crucial process for truly implementing democratic confederalism, which will enable the Kurdish people to live together with others, in Turkey, but also in Syria and Iran.”

Öcalan offers a solution that goes beyond borders

De Conca underlined that the ideas put forward by Mr. Öcalan have the power to resolve conflicts not only in Kurdistan, but across the world. De Conca said: “The appeal issued by Mr. Öcalan and adopted at the PKK Congress represents a significant evolution, not only for the Kurdish people but for broader unification policies. The Kurdish people could become a model for a social policy that is real, democratic, and exportable to other countries; and this could be a way to end global conflicts.

I understand that giving up the notion of conflict and questioning the concept of borders is difficult today, but the only solution lies in dialogue between cultures, religions, and ideas, through respect for identity. Today, the focus is mostly on the identity of nation-states rather than cultural identity; not on the identity of a people or on cultural exchange. That’s why I believe this is a revolutionary idea, and it must be supported. Especially Europe and the international community must work to bring this idea to life. Because today we are at a critical threshold: the freedom of Mr. Öcalan. Through Mr. Öcalan and his mediation, we can find a path toward dialogue.”

A challenge in favour of a solution

De Conca described the PKK’s 12th Congress decisions as a bold challenge in favour of a peaceful solution. He stressed that the international community now bears significant responsibility for the success of the process. De Conca said: “The PKK has taken on a great responsibility. The Turkish state must make a choice: it will either move in a democratic direction or continue with the current regime. This is not an easy step, and it cannot be achieved by the Turkish state alone. The international community must also respect international norms. For this reason, Europe must take on a stronger role, and the United Nations must act more effectively so that the Turkish state is pressured to comply with international standards. Statements of intent from the PKK or Mr. Öcalan are not enough on their own. This process must be supported.”

The first step must be Öcalan’s freedom

De Conca emphasized that for the process to succeed, the Turkish state must take both legal and political steps, beginning with the release of Mr. Öcalan and all political prisoners. De Conca said: “There must also be changes on the other side, within the Turkish state. The first thing that needs to be done is to ensure Mr. Öcalan’s freedom and to release political prisoners. To move two steps forward together, we must all be willing to take one step back. The process must be guided by a shared sense of destiny, not by the law of the jungle. If we imprison everyone who holds different opinions, we are enforcing the law of the powerful, the law of the jungle. What we need instead is a society built on solidarity, an open society. The Turkish state cannot remain stuck in a position that even part of its own population no longer understands. The Turkish state bears enormous responsibility. The step has been taken by Mr. Öcalan and the PKK, and now the time has come for dialogue. If the Turkish state refuses dialogue, this becomes a matter that must be thoroughly analyzed at the international level. Turkey is a member of NATO, yet it also wants to join the European Union. But it is not possible to admit a state into the union that refuses to engage in dialogue with others.”

Öcalan’s ideas frighten those in power

De Conca also drew attention to the significance of Abdullah Öcalan’s ideas, and added: “In my opinion, many of the conflicts we see today in Ukraine, Palestine, and Africa are directly linked to the concept of borders and the state. This is why Mr. Öcalan has grasped the essence of the problem. As long as political and national borders exist, so will conflict, because political and national borders also define boundaries of ownership. In contrast, a society in which everything is shared is one without borders or barriers. That is why we can speak of a cultural federation, which is essential for living together. One of Mr. Öcalan’s fundamental ideas is also his emphasis on women and youth. When we look at the international picture today, we see only men and weapons. But we must find another solution. It is clear that male-dominated society has reached a dead end and can no longer offer a better future. Instead, we must begin with those who represent the future, young people and with women, who have been pushed to the margins of society. These two core ideas of Mr. Öcalan, democratic confederalism and a society that starts with women and youth are revolutionary ideas that frighten those in power.”

The solution lies in Öcalan’s ideas

De Conca said that Mr. Öcalan’s ideas should be studied and supported, adding:  “Abdullah Öcalan’s thoughts must be researched, disseminated, and sustained. His ideas are not only about the Kurdish question. Of course, the Kurdish question is a major issue. But today, the fundamental issue is the crisis of democracy. We have privatized democracy, lost participation, and lost the pathways for people to engage with democratic processes. Yet we must find a new solution and that solution is found in Mr. Öcalan’s thoughts, writings, and manifestos.”