Sabah’s Ergun Babahan acknowledges that the Republic of Turkey has realized many significant achievements since its establishment, a fact he thinks should prompt everyone to abandon current fears about the undermining of the republic and see that the republic has a public dimension to it. “It is no longer possible to suppress the demands of people through division and fears of reactionaryism,” says Babahan, referring to staunchly secular circles who welcome anti-democratic measures in order to protect the republic. “A strong republic should not be afraid of fulfilling the legitimate and just demands of the public. If it is scared of that, it turns into a form of republic against the public, urging us to fear the future. What needs to be done is to take the steps toward a republic that derives its power from the public,” Babahan contends.
“Was 85 years not sufficient for the enlightenment of society? Why is the republic so weak even after 85 years, requiring the protection of some? Moreover, who are you protecting it from? Who is it you are pointing your weapon at while trying to protect the republic?” Zaman daily’s Mümtaz’er Türköne asks, complaining about anti-democratic practices present in Turkey in the name of protecting the republic. He thinks that some circles in Turkey cannot bear the republic belonging to everyone. “Can a republic that derives its power from the weapons and the use of force be everyone’s? If it belongs to everyone, will there be any need for its guardians? Will there be any need for the republic to be protected if it presents solutions for problems, opens rich horizons before us and proves its power?” asks Türköne. In his view, the real problem of the republic after 85 years is its alienation from the public. “It is the republic’s turning into a meaningless cliché and being used as a privilege by an elitist group. The republic belongs to each and every one of us. Its virtue belongs to each and every one of us. This being said, we are the owners of the republic,” Türköne writes.
Bugün’s Ahmet Taşgetiren thinks many things can be said about the “virtue of the republic.” However, when one takes a look at the course of development of the Turkish Republic, it is very easy to see that it is riddled with problems. Referring to the latest one of these problems, he cites two recently released reasoned opinions of the Constitutional Court. One addresses the closure case against the ruling Justice and Development Party (AK Party) and the other a reform package that would have allowed covered women to have access to university education. As for a third of these problems, he cites Turkey’s long-standing Kurdish problem, which survives to this day due to the wrong policies pursued since the birth of the republic. “Is it possible to include these in the achievements of the republic? The Constitutional Court bases its reasoned opinions on a lack of confidence in the public,” he contends.
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