The Communist Party of Turkey (TKP) staged a protest on January 23 against the Turkish government’s efforts to strengthen the NATO war alliance. The Turkish parliament’s decision to lift the Turkish veto on Sweden’s membership in the NATO alliance was met with strong condemnation from the TKP. The conservative Justice and Development Party (AKP) government was accused of cementing Turkey’s position in the war organization and continuing to be an accomplice in NATO’s imperialist maneuvers, putting the country’s people at risk. Other left-wing groups like the Workers’ Party of Turkey (TiP) and the Labor Party (EMEP) also called for the closure of NATO bases in the country.
During the voting on Sweden’s NATO membership, TKP cadres organized a militant demonstration outside the Grand National Assembly of Turkey, chanting slogans against NATO and the USA. The recent conflict between Russia and Ukraine has prompted Finland and Sweden to apply for NATO membership, reversing their traditional policy of neutrality. Communist parties in these countries have also criticized their governments for joining the US-led war alliance.
Read more: Nordic countries surrender their historic neutrality and sign military deals with the United States
Turkey had initially opposed Finland’s and Sweden’s NATO membership approval due to their alleged support for Kurdish activists. Finland became the 31st member of NATO in April 2023 after addressing Turkey’s concerns. However, Turkey continued to oppose Sweden’s membership bid. To pacify Turkey’s objections, Sweden tightened its ‘anti-terrorist laws’ per Turkish demands and agreed to support Turkey’s pursuit of EU membership. In exchange for lifting the veto, deals are being negotiated for the sale of F-16 fighter jets from the US, German missiles, and other weapons to Turkey. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is expected to formally lift the Turkish veto on Sweden’s accession to NATO soon.
In a statement on January 23, the Communist Party of Turkey (TKP) criticized the AKP government for resisting Sweden’s membership and attempting to use the issue as leverage with imperialism, particularly in the purchase of F-16 aircraft. TKP has denounced NATO as a terrorist organization and emphasized the urgent need for member states to leave the alliance.
