Pervin Buldan, member of the İmralı Delegation of the Peoples' Equality and Democracy Party (DEM Party) and Deputy Speaker of Parliament, spoke at the Parliament's council after being elected as the new Deputy Speaker.

Pervin Buldan paid tribute to Sırrı Süreyya Önder, the former Parliamentary Deputy Speaker of the DEM Party who lost his life in May, and greeted the imprisoned politicians.

Pervin Buldan stated that Önder acted in accordance with a democratic, fair, and pluralistic approach of governance, saying: “He succeeded in uniting everyone in a common feeling, a common emotion. Words were jewels of unique affection in his language. His words, which met with truth, were not meant to destroy, but to repair and build. He knew very well the deepest, most painful wounds of this country, and he strove to find a remedy for them. For this reason, he believed strongly in peace, stood on the side of peace, and walked for peace. He was a very valuable peace activist. His dream of peace is my path. And his memory will always light our way. I express my endless gratitude for his friendship, companionship, and every moment he contributed to the struggle for democracy and peace.”

“As I stand here, I will act with a commitment to democratic principles and with impartiality and equality,” said Pervin Buldan, continuing: “My efforts will be focused on ensuring that the will of the people is truly reflected in parliament. I will strive to ensure that the voices of all different groups from across the country, especially women, the oppressed, and the marginalized, are heard and listened to on this floor. I will adopt an approach that prioritizes pluralism and participation so that every political opinion and every idea can be freely expressed. In this challenging period we are going through, it is essential that the Grand National Assembly of Turkey fulfills its historic responsibility to build peace in the country and the region. On this basis, the most important agenda item facing parliament is to build an equal and democratic life with democratic laws based on the rule of law, fundamental human rights, and a democratic society, and with a new social contract based on social consensus. It is my greatest hope to work toward this historic responsibility.”

Pervin Buldan concluded her speech as follows: “A lasting peace is the most urgent need of our country, our neighboring regions, and the entire Middle East today. With this in mind, the most important address for the fundamental steps that must be taken in the legal and political arena to ensure that the climate of peace becomes permanent and that the democratic resolution process can proceed on a secure foundation is, of course, the Grand National Assembly of Turkey. Honorable members of parliament, as members of the 28th term parliament, we can present an honorable peace and a democratic republic to 86 million people. There is no obstacle in our way. I believe that we will achieve this together. Peace is the responsibility of the Grand National Assembly of Turkey. As I conclude my remarks, I extend the following call to you all, to the entire parliament, from where the beloved Sırrı Süreyya Önder left off: let us all together become the leaders of peace.”