Devlet Bahçeli, leader of Turkey’s far-right Nationalist Movement Party (MHP), voiced support on Tuesday for the government’s recent appointment of trustees in Kurdish-majority municipalities, describing the move as essential to combating separatism. Addressing parliament, Bahçeli framed these actions as part of a broader vision for a “Turkish Era” and criticised the opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP) and pro-Kurdish Peoples’ Equality and Democracy (DEM) Party for allegedly aligning with “divisive figures from Turkey’s past”, notably Kurdish leaders Sheikh Said (Şêx Seîd) and Seyid Rıza.
“DEM Party’s admiration for Şeyh [Sheikh] Said and Seyid Rıza once again reveals where they stand,” Bahçeli said. “These figures were treated as state enemies and punished accordingly.” The MHP leader argued that such praise from DEM Party leadership undermines Turkey’s national unity.
Bahçeli also addressed imprisoned leader of the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) Abdullah Öcalan, whose situation has drawn significant attention in recent months amid calls for his release from Kurdish supporters. Reiterating his party’s commitment to fighting separatism, Bahçeli said, “The end is near for those promoting division,” and declared that “separatism will be eliminated” in Turkey. He emphasised that the MHP’s focus is not on immediate electoral gains, but on securing Turkey’s future: “We are not concerned with the next election but with the next generation.”
Bahçeli’s comments follow the suspension of DEM Party-affiliated mayors in municipalities including Esenyurt, (Mêrdîn), Batman (Êlih), and Halfeti (Xelfetî). These officials, accused of links to the PKK, have been replaced by state-appointed trustees. Bahçeli defended these suspensions, portraying them as aligned with his party’s nationalist goals.
The opposition CHP has criticised the trustee appointments, contending that they sideline the democratic process and disenfranchise voters in the affected areas. DEM Party officials have condemned the suspensions as politically motivated and harmful to local governance.
Bahçeli further differentiated between Turkey’s Kurdish citizens and what he described as separatist factions. “Our unity will not be compromised,” he asserted, underscoring the MHP’s emphasis on a nationalist vision in its advocacy for a “Turkish Era”.
Meanwhile, following his parliamentary speech, Bahçeli responded sharply to a journalist’s question on whether he and President Erdoğan might disagree on a potential new peace process. “To my friends in the press, stop stirring up division in Turkey with provocative misinformation,” Bahçeli stated, adding, “If you can’t, then leave the profession.”
