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Leaders of Türkiye’s Good Party (Iyi Party) and Victory Party (Zafer Partisi) signaled a possible nationalist alliance during a recent gathering of the Nationalist Congress Association in Ankara, sparking a renewed debate about cooperation between the two right-wing movements.
Good Party leader Musavat Dervisoglu and Victory Party chairman Umit Ozdag appeared together at the event, delivering remarks that many interpreted as an opening toward collaboration.
In his speech, Ozdag criticized the current political landscape, referring to what he described as the “DAM alliance,” formed by the ruling Justice and Development Party (AK Party), the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP), and the pro-Kurdish Peoples’ Equality and Democracy Party (DEM).
“The ‘DAM alliance’ is coming to an end,” Ozdag said, predicting that while the DEM Party might increase its votes, the AK Party and MHP would face a sharp decline.
“In a political environment where Devlet Bahceli and Abdullah Ocalan praise each other and walk arm in arm, we can at least have a coffee with Chairman Musavat,” he added.
Responding to Ozdag, Dervisoglu said the two parties had “never really been apart,” signaling warmth toward potential cooperation. “We are one and together,” he declared.
“Differences in approach or method may occur, but this never means we will not meet again. Since the beginning of my political life, I have always spoken of the unity of the Turkish nation and the solidarity of Turkish nationalists,” Dervisoglu maintained.
Following the leaders’ remarks, Good Party parliamentary group deputy chair Bugra Kavuncu commented on the discussion during a live interview on Halk TV.
He described the publicized meeting between the two nationalist leaders as “completely normal,” emphasizing that it should not be interpreted as an established electoral alliance.
“Türkiye is going through a very difficult period,” he said.
“We have serious concerns about the current direction of the country, and on many of these issues, we share similar worries with the Victory Party and other political movements."
"This is a declaration of intent, a signal that parties concerned about Türkiye’s future can meet, exchange ideas, and cooperate where appropriate.”
Kavuncu cautioned against reading too much into symbolic gestures such as photographs or short statements.
“Sometimes a single picture or a single word is given exaggerated meaning,” he said.
“It’s better to make interpretations based on the official and detailed statements of the people involved and their institutional evaluations.”
Kavuncu also addressed questions regarding his previous legal dispute with Victory Party leader Ozdag, who had accused him of links to the Fetullah Terrorist Organization (FETO), leading to court proceedings between the two.
Kavuncu said he had withdrawn the case, noting that personal matters should never overshadow national interests.
“That period was not an easy one for me; it left a deep wound,” he said. “But I put it aside because personal issues should not take precedence over the country’s needs."
"When (Mr.) Ozdag was detained, I decided to withdraw the ongoing case. It was a decision made in line with my principles and values.”
He added that despite their past conflict, he would support any political cooperation that benefits the country.
“If the unity of nationalists can contribute to Türkiye’s future, change balances in the country, and address current problems, I would never oppose it,” Kavuncu said.
“Personal conflicts must never be placed above the interests of the nation,” he concluded.
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