Newsletters
Türkiye's Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) leader Devlet Bahceli on Tuesday called for Parliament to renew elections in 2028 to allow President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to seek another term, citing growing risks amid major shifts in global politics and the international security order.
Speaking at the MHP's parliamentary group meeting, Bahceli said Türkiye was facing a period of major change in global politics and international security, with disputes continuing to create risks that could become permanent.
"At a time when global politics and the international security order are undergoing major transformations, and disputes continue that could cause political risks to become permanent, it is clear that there is a greater need than ever for Türkiye as a country whose word can be trusted, with a stance based on law, peace and justice," he said.
Bahceli argued that the global climate made stability and predictability more important for Türkiye and linked that need to Erdogan's bid for another term. He cited Article 116 of Türkiye's Constitution, which allows a president serving a second term to seek another term if Parliament votes to renew the elections.
Under Article 101, a person can be elected president no more than twice. Article 116 provides an exception, allowing a president to run again if Parliament approves an election renewal with a three-fifths majority, or 360 of its 600 members.
The move would require a snap election before the regularly scheduled May 7, 2028 vote.
"According to these provisions, our position as the Nationalist Movement Party is this: A decision to renew the elections should be taken in the Grand National Assembly of Türkiye at an appropriate time and with maximum consensus so that President Recep Tayyip Erdogan can run again," Bahceli said.
Bahceli called for the vote to remain within 2028, saying that would preserve stability and predictability while staying in line with the system's framework.
"With the emergence of such a manifestation of will, unnecessary debates will end, uncertainties will disappear, economic confidence will increase, and our country will be able to continue full speed ahead on its path filled with historic steps," he added.
"Türkiye will have thwarted the calculations of those investing in instability, uncertainty, chaos and disorder that its adversaries expect and hope for."
Bahceli presented the push for Erdogan's return as part of a broader effort to preserve political continuity and keep the state on a stable course. "Let me underline this: Our issue is not the political careers of individuals. It is the continuity of the state, the stability of politics and, ultimately, the vision of building a leading Türkiye," he said.
He also portrayed the 2028 vote as the starting point for a broader reform period rather than simply another election. "Our party considers 2028 not merely as an election date, but as the starting point of a period in which major reforms will be implemented for Türkiye," Bahceli said.
The nationalist leader urged an end to efforts that distract from the issue, called for clarity on Erdogan's candidacy and said Türkiye must face global realities amid what he described as fierce international competition.
Set as preferred source
Set as preferred source
1 min read
1 min read
