Newsletters
Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) leader Devlet Bahceli addressed his party during a group meeting at Parliament, delivering strong messages on Türkiye's ongoing fight against terrorism and the nation's broader transformation.
Bahceli pointed to the recent loss of 12 Turkish soldiers in northern Iraq due to methane gas poisoning and framed the tragedy within the broader national struggle for peace and stability.
"Türkiye is at the heart of a historic process, moving rapidly toward peace and stability," Bahceli said. "PKK laying down arms is now only a matter of time."
The MHP leader emphasized that the dream of a terror-free Türkiye is no longer just an aspiration but has become an official state policy. "It is now a duty, from the highest level of the state to the smallest unit, to realize a Türkiye without terrorism," he added.
Speaking on the recent tragedy that took place during the Claw-Lock Operation, Bahceli expressed condolences to the families of the soldiers who died in a hospital cave of the PKK terrorist group and the nation.
"The attempt to keep a climate of rumor and division alive will not be ignored," he warned. "We are witnessing important developments. The traps will be dismantled, and provocations will fail."
He also condemned those who attempt to exploit issues like forest fires to stir unrest, calling such acts "shameless."
Bahceli also directed sharp criticism at the main opposition party, the Republican People's Party (CHP), over recent corruption allegations in municipalities it governs.
"CHP municipalities have sunk into a swamp of bribery and corruption," he claimed. "They have trampled democracy and betrayed the public trust. These local governments have started to resemble organized crime networks."
Referring to ongoing investigations in Adana and Adiyaman, Bahceli insisted that the perpetrators must be exposed, and justice served without delay. "Those who fail to protect the public's trust should not speak of ethics or justice," he added.
Bahceli also targeted CHP leader Ozgur Ozel over his recent remarks on mass mobilization and public protests.
"Go ahead and walk the streets if you dare—let us see your real strength," Bahceli said. "If this street obsession leads you to commit crimes, you will find the Turkish nation and the Republic of Türkiye standing against you."
He called Ozel's reference to Egypt’s street protests "reckless and ignorant" and supported the investigation launched into Ozel's comments. "What’s going on, Mr. Ozel? Are you planning a coup?" Bahceli asked, accusing CHP of veering away from being a party of Türkiye.
On Oct. 22, 2024, MHP leader Devlet Bahceli declared in Parliament that a “Terror-Free Türkiye” had become an official state objective. His decision to shake hands with Peoples' Equality and Democracy Party (DEM Party) lawmakers was seen as a notable moment amid longstanding political polarization.
On Feb. 27, 2025, PKK terrorist organization ringleader Abdullah Ocalan issued a statement from prison calling on the PKK terrorist organization to disband and lay down arms. The group later held an extraordinary congress, announcing the end of its armed campaign.
On July 7, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan met with the DEM Party’s delegation at the presidential complex in Ankara. The one-hour meeting included key figures such as Pervin Buldan, Mithat Sancar, Efkan Ala, and intelligence chief Ibrahim Kalin. Erdogan said the discussions focused on past steps and future implementation related to the Terror-Free Türkiye goal.
Parliament Speaker Numan Kurtulmus has since begun consultations to establish a cross-party “Terror-Free Türkiye Commission,” expected to begin work in September.
1 min read
2 min read
