Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s recent declaration that he has “no intention” of seeking re-election has drawn a public rebuke from his closest political ally, Devlet Bahçeli, leader of the far-right Nationalist Movement Party (MHP). In a written statement on 22 May, Bahçeli said Erdoğan’s decision was “neither just nor fair”, insisting that the country still needs his leadership.
Bahçeli’s remarks reaffirm the MHP’s commitment to President Erdoğan’s leadership within the ruling People’s Alliance, which unites the Justice and Development Party (AKP) and the MHP, despite Erdoğan’s own suggestion that he does not intend to seek another term. “A president whose concern is the nation and the homeland has no right to abandon his path,” Bahçeli said. He described Erdoğan’s decision not to pursue another term as incompatible with both Turkey’s current needs and regional developments.
President Erdoğan made his comments to journalists while returning from a visit to Hungary, saying: “We want the new constitution not for ourselves, but for our country. I have no intention of re-election or running again.” The statement was intended to underline that the government’s push for constitutional reform is not linked to extending Erdoğan’s time in office.
However, Bahçeli interpreted the statement as undermining the leadership project the alliance had committed to under the banner of the “Century of Turkey”. He argued that Erdoğan’s continued leadership was essential to maintaining Turkey’s current political trajectory, stating, “There are still many services our President must provide”.
The opposition has responded in a markedly different tone. Ali Mahir Başarır, deputy parliamentary group chair of the main opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP), said Erdoğan could not legally run again anyway. “You’re not doing us a favour by saying you won’t run. According to the constitution you introduced, you cannot be a candidate again,” Başarır said during a press briefing in Ankara.
The Turkish constitution currently limits presidents to two terms, though Erdoğan’s supporters argue that the switch to the presidential system in 2018 reset the term count. His second term under the new system began in 2023.
Bahçeli’s comments reinforce the longstanding alliance between the MHP and AKP but also highlight uncertainties around succession and the bloc’s future strategy. “The arrow President Erdoğan has fired must reach its target,” Bahçeli concluded, suggesting the MHP sees no alternative figure capable of continuing Erdoğan’s vision.
