Çetin Ay: “In politics, transformation sometimes happens without the need for change.”
Çetin Ay, a well-known businessman and political analyst in Europe, assessed the silent social transformation in Turkey and how the political structure has failed to respond to this change. He emphasized that change is measured not only by election results but also by the transformations that begin in the minds and consciences of the nation.
Here are some of Çetin Ay's key assessments from the interview:
“Time is not politics' friend; transformation is now unstoppable.”
“Real transformations sometimes come silently.”
“In politics, transformation sometimes occurs without the need for change. Societies and political movements generally focus on major changes. New parties, new leaders, radical program changes… But life has always taught us another truth: Real transformations sometimes come silently. Without anyone noticing, one day all of our thoughts, expectations, and perspectives change,” said Çetin Ay.
A small shift in a leader's perspective, a subtle change in a party's rhetoric, or the public's internalization of new concepts… Emphasizing that these may not seem like major revolutions, Çetin Ay stated, “But these are the real harbingers of lasting change.”
“A silent but powerful transformation is taking place in Turkey.”
Çetin Ay stated that social transformation in Turkey is progressing with silent but effective steps:
“The CHP developing a new language of communication with conservative voters, the opposition's efforts to break free from old patterns, and most importantly, the gradual abandonment of the concept of ‘absolute loyalty’ that the public once embraced without question…
This silent transformation is moving forward without needing the noise of a revolution. Because change is measured at the ballot box; but transformation begins in the minds and consciences of the people.”
“The AK Party refuses to see this transformation.”
Çetin Ay expressed the current government's difficulty in grasping social transformation with these words:
“A movement that was once a pioneer of change now stands like a barrier in front of change. While societal expectations are changing, the government's rhetoric remains stagnant. Young people are searching for a new language, a new politics. But the government insists on repeating the phrases of the past.”
Stating that demands for justice, equality, and welfare are rising, Çetin Ay said, “Solutions are not being produced; only time is being bought. But time is not politics' friend. Time is the very essence of transformation.”
“Politics is about being able to read the direction of the current.”
Çetin Ay emphasized that politics is not just about making decisions:
“Politics is not just about making decisions. Sometimes it's not about rowing against the current, but about reading the direction of the current.
A people can transform even without new leaders emerging. A system can change even without new laws. Because true transformation begins first in the hearts and minds of people.”
“Society is already transforming.”
Çetin Ay expressed that Turkey is undergoing a profound social transformation process even without major surface changes, stating:
“This is exactly what is happening in Turkey today. Beyond the change that will emerge from the ballot box, society is already transforming. And this transformation is now unstoppable.
There is no need for grand pronouncements or radical pronouncements. Because the people have already begun a silent but profound renewal. The change may not yet be visible, but the transformation has begun. And this path is irreversible.”
Çetin Ay concluded his remarks with:
“Election day comes and goes, but transformation always moves forward.”