Following the outcome of the general election in Turkey, where people clearly decided to change course despite intimidations and pressure on journalists, the leader of the Socialist and Democrats Group in the European Parliament, Gianni Pittella, stated:

"Democracy has prevailed over obscurantism. Turkish people have sent a clear message to President Erdoğan: Turkey should remain a modern democracy, multicultural and multi-religious based on lay constitution, where minorities' and free press rights are respected. The outcome of the elections assures for the very first time in modern Turkish history the representation of a pro-Kurdish party and other national minorities.

"The number of women elected has definitely increased as well as the turnout and the participation of young people to the vote. We very much welcome the result obtained by our sister parties, HDP and CHP, and we now call President Erdoğan and all progressive and responsible forces to work for a parliamentary solution in order to assure an inclusive government able to put Turkey back on the tracks of European integration."

S&D MEP and rapporteur on Turkey, Kati Piri, said:

"Voters want Turkey to change course. No further concentration of power - but a peaceful and sustainable conclusion of the peace process with the Kurdish community and a need for parties to compromise - that is the outcome of the elections."

"Despite problems during the campaign and the pressure exerted on journalists and media outlets, the people proved the resilience of Turkish democracy; with a very high turn-out of 86%, and the participation of some 50,000 civic volunteers at the ballot boxes, Turks elected the most inclusive and representative parliament ever. This is a victory for democracy."