Devlet Bahçeli, leader of Turkey’s far-right Nationalist Movement Party (MHP), has categorically denied the existence of a “solution process” regarding Kurdish-Turkish relations while describing recent developments as the momentum for a “promising new beginning”. Speaking in his New Year’s message, Bahçeli addressed the 28 December meeting between representatives of Turkey’s pro-Kurdish Peoples’ Equality and Democracy (DEM) Party and Abdullah Öcalan, the jailed leader of the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK), framing the encounter as a boost to democratic hopes.
Bahçeli declared that the discussions on İmralı Island had strengthened “the hopes tied to Turkish-Kurdish brotherhood”, dismissing speculation about a renewed political framework or negotiations. “What exists is a national mission that demands active, sincere, and transparent participation for Turkey’s future,” he said. His statement comes amid heightened political activity, with the DEM Party advocating for greater inclusivity and dialogue following their engagement with Öcalan.
The Turkish far right leader emphasised that the meeting, although significant, was not indicative of any formal process akin to the previous “solution process”, a controversial initiative aimed at resolving the Kurdish issue that was abandoned in 2015. “There is no room for baseless doubts or deliberate provocations,” Bahçeli said, underscoring his vision of a united Turkey that eschews external pressures and internal discord.
In reflecting on Turkey’s broader trajectory, Bahçeli urged decisive action, declaring, “The moment for words has passed; it is time for actions to be staged without delay.” He framed the challenges facing the nation as opportunities to reaffirm its sovereignty and unity. The leader tied his message to the broader context of Turkey’s aspirations in its second year of the so-called “Century of Turkey”, portraying the country as a pivotal actor in both regional and global affairs.
Bahçeli also used his address to issue a sharp rebuke to organisations Turkey deems terrorist, particularly the PKK and the People’s Protection Units (YPG), whose presence in Iraq and Syria he dismissed as “a delusion”. He warned that their disbandment was inevitable and called on Kurdish communities to reject divisive narratives. “The bloody game has been exposed. Embracing the Turkish nation’s identity and democratic ethos is the rightful path for the new century,” he said, projecting confidence in the nation’s ability to overcome long-standing ethnic tensions.
The leader’s remarks also touched on the significance of maintaining regional stability, particularly in light of recent developments in Syria. He described the departure of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad earlier this month as a turning point and reaffirmed Turkey’s commitment to supporting a peaceful and united Syria. “Syria’s stability is integral to the region and to Turkey’s security,” Bahçeli stated, adding that any attempts to exploit ethnic or sectarian divisions would pose a serious threat to regional harmony.
Bahçeli’s comments are the latest in a series of statements that signal both openness to dialogue and a reaffirmation of nationalist principles. Earlier in the year, he made headlines for shaking hands with DEM Party members and suggesting that Öcalan address the Turkish parliament under specific conditions. However, his New Year’s message reiterated a rigid stance on the necessity of national cohesion, rejecting any perception of compromise or concession.
