DEB Party founded by Turks leads in two regions in Western Thrace EP elections

In European Parliament (EP) elections held on Sunday in Greece, the Friendship, Equality, and Peace (DEB) Party, founded by Turks, emerged as the leading party in two out of three regions in Western Thrace.

According to data released by the Ministry of Interior, with 96% of the ballots counted, the unofficial results show that the DEB Party secured 36% of the vote in Rhodope and 27% in Xanthi, making it the leading party in these regions where Turks predominantly reside.

Members, candidates, and supporters followed the election results at party headquarters in Komotini and celebrated their victory with traditional drum and zurna music.

DEB Party President Cigdem Asafoglu expressed her happiness to Anadolu Agency (AA), saying, “We are very happy. We were confident about this outcome. We said this everywhere we went. Today, our people have once again stood by their cause and their party.”

Asafoglu reminded us that DEB was also the leading party in Rhodope and Xanthi in the 2014 and 2019 elections, emphasizing that the Turks of Western Thrace went to the polls today to express their dissatisfaction with Athens and Brussels.

Asafoglu highlighted that minority voters cast their ballots for DEB knowing they would not surpass the 3% electoral threshold to elect a member of parliament, stating, “The minority has sent a very serious message to those governing the country. Athens needs to stop ignoring the existence of a minority living here.”

Despite being the leading party in two out of three regions in Western Thrace during the 2014 and 2019 EP elections, DEB could not send a member to the EP due to the 3% national electoral threshold.

Dr. Sadik Ahmet, known for his struggle for the rights of Turks in Western Thrace, was elected as an independent member of parliament with a high vote count in the general elections held in Greece in 1989.

In an attempt to prevent Ahmet’s election, the Greek government introduced a 3% electoral threshold for both political parties and independent candidates on October 24, 1990.

Political parties and independent candidates must surpass the 3% national electoral threshold to enter parliament.

The Turks of Western Thrace demand the abolition of the 3% electoral threshold, arguing that it obstructs their political representation.