The Kurds are emerging as an important element in Turkey's societal fabric. They constitute between 15% and 18% of the total population, equivalent to 12.5 to 15 million people.
In light of the volatile political reality, the Kurds are reevaluating their political alliances with the Republican People's Party. The Popular Equality and Democracy Party, one of the most prominent pro-Kurdish parties, announced it will run in the local elections with its candidates in Istanbul, Izmir, and the capital, Ankara.