There have been great expaectations for Abdullah Öcalan’s long-awaited call for a democratic path forward, but the announcement has been postponed. Independent journalist Fréderike Geerdink explores the reasons behind the delay, linking it to state repression, political manoeuvres and ongoing consultations with Kurdish leaders. Despite setbacks - including the Turkish state’s latest replacement of an elected mayor with a trustee appointment in Van - Geerdink argues that Öcalan’s call is inevitable, as peace remains the only viable future.