Deputy Parliament Speaker and DEM Party Istanbul lawmaker Sırrı Süreyya Önder was hospitalized in Istanbul after suffering a heart attack on April 15, 2025. The serious cardiac episode prompted immediate medical attention and has raised concerns among his colleagues and supporters.
According to a statement from the DEM Party, Önder was taken to the hospital following the heart attack, and his condition is being closely monitored. "Our Deputy Speaker and Imralı Delegation member Sırrı Süreyya Önder was hospitalized this evening due to a serious heart condition. Necessary medical procedures were carried out by doctors. His treatment continues in Istanbul, and his condition is being monitored closely. Further updates will be provided," the statement read.
Reports indicate that Önder, who had not previously experienced any heart-related issues, underwent emergency surgery due to a torn aorta. The head physician of the hospital, Prof. Dr. Çavlan Çiftçi, confirmed that the surgery began at 23:30 on the same day and described the situation as critical. "Unfortunately, the biggest vein coming out of the heart was torn. The vital danger continues, and the surgery is expected to last between seven to eight hours," he stated.
Born on July 7, 1962, in Adıyaman, Önder is not only a politician but also a filmmaker, director, screenwriter, and columnist. He has made significant contributions to Turkish cinema and has served as a lawmaker in various capacities over the years. He was elected as a deputy from Istanbul during the 24th legislative term and represented Ankara during the 25th and 26th terms. Currently, he holds the position of Deputy Speaker of Parliament.
The DEM Party, which Önder is affiliated with, has been involved in significant political initiatives, including efforts to end decades of conflict with the PKK (Kurdistan Workers' Party). In late February 2025, PKK leader Abdullah Öcalan called on his group to lay down arms and dissolve, marking a potential turning point in the long-standing conflict. The DEM Party has acted as a messenger in negotiations aimed at realizing this initiative.
However, the PKK has set conditions for compliance, including the release of Öcalan, which the Turkish government has rejected. This ongoing political context adds an additional layer of concern for Önder's health, as he has been a key figure in these discussions.
In light of Önder's hospitalization, many political figures have expressed their support. MHP Chairman Devlet Bahçeli reached out to DEM Party officials for detailed updates on Önder's condition. "I send my best wishes for a speedy recovery to our Deputy Speaker Sırrı Süreyya Önder," Bahçeli stated.
Health Minister Kemal Memişoğlu also provided an update, confirming that Önder was undergoing surgery due to the rupture in the main artery from the heart. "His condition is being closely monitored, and we hope for a positive outcome," Memişoğlu said.
Governor of Istanbul, Davut Gül, visited the hospital to oversee the situation personally. He expressed his concerns and sent his best wishes, stating, "I wish a speedy recovery to our Deputy Speaker. We are closely following the developments with the Provincial Health Director."
As news of Önder's condition spread, messages of support flooded in from various political leaders. TBMM President Numan Kurtulmuş and Vice President Cevdet Yılmaz were among those who extended their well wishes, emphasizing the importance of unity during this challenging time.
Artist Yavuz Bingöl, a long-time friend of Önder, visited him in the hospital and shared his concerns. "His condition is critical; everyone should pray for him. We had a video call just the day before, and he was in good spirits. We need him back healthy, especially given his role in the ongoing peace process," Bingöl remarked.
Önder's political career has been marked by significant milestones, including his candidacy for the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality in the 2014 local elections, which he lost. He later returned to parliament in the June and November 2015 general elections as a representative from Ankara. His recent election in 2023 as a deputy from the DEM Party underscores his continuing influence in Turkish politics.
As the situation develops, the DEM Party has promised to keep the public informed about Önder's health. They have expressed gratitude for the outpouring of support from the public and political figures alike. "We are closely monitoring his health and are hopeful for good news soon," the party stated.
In the context of the ongoing political landscape, Önder's health crisis comes at a pivotal moment for the DEM Party and the broader peace initiative. His role as a mediator in discussions with the PKK has been crucial, and his recovery is seen as vital to the continuation of these peace efforts.
As the Turkish public watches closely, the hope remains that Sırrı Süreyya Önder will recover swiftly and return to his important work in parliament and beyond, contributing to the peace process and the future of Turkey.
