Devlet Bahçeli, leader of the ultra-nationalist Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) and a key partner in Turkey’s ruling coalition, has called for a shift to more constructive political language while reiterating his call for national unity, dialogue and commitment to national values as the key to overcoming divisions in Turkish politics.
Bahçeli said that opening dialogue, fostering goodwill and maintaining a cooperative approach were essential to resolving long-standing challenges. “The key to overcoming barriers lies in reaching out in solidarity, easing tensions and building positive communication networks,” he said.
Despite advocating a less confrontational tone, Bahçeli reiterated his firm stance against the PKK, insisting that the group must immediately convene a congress to declare its dissolution and surrender its weapons without preconditions. Referring to recent developments, including the call for disarmament of 27 February and the agreement of 10 March between the Syrian government and the Democratic Union Party (PYD), he claimed that these events marked a turning point in counter-terrorism efforts.
Bahçeli also criticised the opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP), accusing it of aiming to “sabotage the goal of a terrorism-free Turkey” and undermining national interest. He rejected the CHP’s political positioning, saying the MHP would not engage with the party unless it was in line with national values.
Addressing the pro-Kurdish Peoples’ Equality and Democracy (DEM) Party, Bahçeli acknowledged their recent meetings with various political parties, including the MHP. He expressed support for dialogue and described engagement with all political actors as “a constructive step towards strengthening democracy and promoting national unity”.
Bahçeli stressed the importance of national unity and called on all citizens to reject division and embrace common values. He also offered his best wishes for the coming Newroz and Ramadan holidays and expressed his hope for continued national strength and harmony.
His remarks came shortly before a meeting between the DEM Party and MHP officials in the Turkish Parliament. MHP Deputy Chair Semih Yalçın led the MHP delegation in the meeting with the DEM delegation, which included co-chairs Tülay Hatimoğulları and Tuncer Bakırhan. The hour-long meeting was described as “productive”, though MHP officials declined to make an official statement.
Hatimoğulları thanked the MHP representatives for the meeting and extended get-well wishes to Bahçeli, who has been absent from public appearances since undergoing heart surgery in early February. Bahçeli had previously expressed his interest in attending the meeting, stating, “I would have liked to be present and exchange views personally, but I trust that my colleagues will represent our party well and clearly communicate our stance.”
Following its meeting with the MHP, the DEM Party delegation is set to meet with the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) as the final stage of its discussions with parliamentary groups.
