PACE awards honorary membership to Ertugrul Kurkcu

The Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe awarded HDP’s Ertugrul Kurkcu with a honorary membership.

The executive office of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) awarded Kurkcu with a honorary membership certificate on the PACE United European Left Group’s proposal. The honorary membership certificate was handed to Kurkcu in a ceremony held on Monday.

Ertugrul Kurkcu was elected to the Parliament in 2011 from the BDP, and in later years served as a HDP representative in the PACE social works, health and sustainable development commissions. He has given speeches in the general assembly as a United European Left as a deputy chairperson, as well as preparing reports and submitted written inquiries. Kurkcu was awarded the honorary membership for his contributions to the fundamental principles of the Council of Europe with his efforts.

The honorary membership certificate was handed to Kurkcu by the Swiss President of PACE Liliane Maury-Pasquier.

Maury-Pasquier pointed out Kurkcu’s efforts within the PACE and the struggle he has waged.

Ertugrul Kurkcu, honorary chairperson of the HDP as well, gave a speech in the ceremony and said, “It is an honor to be chosen as an honorary member of this assembly, with the fight against fascism and for democracy at its roots.”

Kurkcu said his efforts have been to “lend a shoulder” to the struggle for democracy of the peoples of Kurdistan and Turkey. Kurkcu added, “It is fitting to fight against fascism and for democracy,” and concluded his speech by saying, “Vive la revolution!” (“Long live the revolution”).

His speech received applause from the 60 MPs and diplomats who attended the ceremony.

Former President of PACE Michele Nicoletti from Italy was also awarded an honorary membership in the same ceremony. Honorary membership gives holders the right for lifelong accreditation for the institution. Parliamentarians who hold this title can follow sessions and general efforts in the PACE.