In a comprehensive and wide-ranging address to his party’s parliamentary group, Devlet Bahçeli, the Chairman of the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP), outlined a vision for Turkey’s future that hinges on national security, moral integrity, and a proactive foreign policy. Speaking at the Turkish Grand National Assembly (TBMM), Bahçeli touched upon a multitude of pressing issues, ranging from domestic corruption investigations and urban safety to the escalating tensions in the Middle East and the Mediterranean.
The core of Bahçeli’s message was a steadfast commitment to the "Terror-Free Turkey" initiative. He emphasized that the nation is currently in a critical period of "purification," where it must rid itself of both security threats and ethical decay. "Turkey will not turn back from its path, and the Turkish nation will not deviate from its decision," Bahçeli declared, signaling that the current political and military strategies regarding counter-terrorism would be pursued with renewed vigor and sincerity.
National Grief and the Urgency of Urban Transformation
Bahçeli began his speech by addressing a series of tragic incidents that have shaken the country over the past week. He expressed deep condolences for the victims of a building collapse in Istanbul’s Maltepe district, where two floors of a structure gave way, resulting in five deaths and eleven injuries. This incident served as a somber backdrop for his call to accelerate the nation’s urban transformation efforts.
The MHP leader also highlighted a series of devastating traffic accidents. In the Akhisar district of Manisa, a collision claimed eleven lives and left twenty-seven others injured. Meanwhile, in Kahramanmaraş, another accident resulted in the death of a young citizen and injuries to seven others, including MHP Kahramanmaraş Deputy Zuhal Karakoç.
"We pray for God’s mercy upon those who lost their lives and a speedy recovery for the injured," Bahçeli said. He used these tragedies to emphasize the state’s responsibility in ensuring public safety. He urged for the swift completion of the "urban transformation mobilization" initiated by the government, particularly in regions facing high seismic risks. For Bahçeli, these are not merely technical or administrative issues but fundamental matters of protecting the lives and property of the Turkish people.
Turkey as a Civilizational Hub
Expanding on the ideological foundations of his party, Bahçeli described Turkey as more than just a nation-state; he characterized it as the heir to a "magnificent civilization" and a "rich Turkish-Islamic tradition." He argued that Turkey’s geopolitical position and cultural accumulation make it a natural center for global reconciliation and progress.
"Our political center is Turkey, even if our ideological coordinates may differ," Bahçeli noted, reiterating a theme from his previous addresses. He suggested that by embracing its root values and blending them with contemporary innovations, Turkey could provide a "beacon of light" for oppressed nations seeking a life of honor and freedom. He called on the country to move past social debates that lack a true foundation in the public consciousness and instead focus its energy on building a prosperous, happy, and high-value civilization.
The Vision of a Terror-Free Region
A significant portion of the address was dedicated to the MHP’s vision of a "terror-free Turkey" and a "terror-free region." Bahçeli described this as a conscious effort to establish a just order centered on Turkey, one that provides "unity and vitality" for the nation and its cultural geography.
He warned that this initiative has caused anxiety among Turkey’s adversaries and those harboring ambitions of regional dominance. According to Bahçeli, these hostile forces are attempting to sabotage Turkey’s environment of peace and security through economic, political, and social means, as they have done in the past.
"Let us say this in advance: Turkey will not turn back from its path," he asserted. He promised that the steps toward a terror-free Turkey would be taken with "seriousness and sincerity" and brought to a conclusion as quickly as possible. This rhetoric aligns with the MHP’s long-standing hardline stance on separatist movements and its support for cross-border operations aimed at neutralizing threats at their source.
Escalating Tensions in the Middle East: Israel and Yemen
Turning his attention to international affairs, Bahçeli delivered a scathing critique of Israeli policy and the rising instability in the Red Sea. He accused the Israeli government, led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, of using upcoming elections as a pretext to increase provocations and aggression in the region.
Bahçeli expressed particular outrage over provocations directed at Al-Aqsa Mosque, Islam’s first qibla. "We cannot turn a blind eye, remain silent, or show tolerance toward attacks on our holy sites," he stated. He extended this sentiment to the Houthi attacks originating from Yemen, which have targeted Saudi Arabia and holy lands.
He reminded his audience of the historical role of the Turkish nation as the "Servant of the Two Holy Cities" (Hadimü’l-Haremeyn). He cited the legendary Defense of Medina by Fahreddin Pasha as a testament to the Turkish soldier’s—the "Mehmetçik"—deeply ingrained commitment to protecting Islamic sanctities.
In a notable policy suggestion, Bahçeli called for Turkey to provide "all kinds of military support" for the defense of Saudi Arabia within the framework of a "Mecca Alliance." He argued that the Houthi attacks on civilian infrastructure, such as the strikes on King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh which resulted in significant casualties, are crimes under international law.
"Diplomacy should be used, but if it is not enough, deterrent force must be employed," Bahçeli argued. He urged the Islamic world to set aside sectarian differences and stand united against those who "rub their hands in Tel Aviv" while waiting for brothers to kill one another.
A Stern Warning to Athens
The MHP leader also addressed the ongoing friction with Greece, particularly regarding maritime jurisdiction and energy projects. He criticized the Greek administration’s attempts to forge closer ties with Israel and the United States as a means of bypassing Turkey’s rights in the Mediterranean.
Specifically, Bahçeli pointed to the electricity interconnection project between Greece, Southern Cyprus, and Israel (often referred to as the Great Sea Interconnector). He warned that any project passing through Turkey’s maritime zones requires prior coordination with Ankara.
"Thinking that Athens can overcome Ankara’s objections by gaining the support of third countries is a grave mistake," Bahçeli cautioned. He advised the Greek government to seek refuge in "Turkish peace" rather than relying on Israeli weaponry. "If the Greek government is arming itself to protect itself from us, they should instead rely on friendship. If they are arming themselves to scare us, they should know that no power can intimidate us."
Domestic Integrity and the ‘Fund Crisis’
On the domestic front, Bahçeli addressed the ongoing "fund investigation"—a high-profile case involving allegations of a massive Ponzi scheme or unauthorized investment fund that has dominated Turkish headlines. While acknowledging that the judiciary is performing its duty, he warned against the political exploitation of the crisis.
Bahçeli accused the opposition of using the "fund crisis" as an "escape ramp" to divert public attention away from corruption and bribery investigations within opposition-held municipalities. "The fund is being injected into the veins of political culture as a form of ‘political anesthesia’ for revanchism," he claimed.
He emphasized that moral standards should not be relative or dependent on partisan affiliations. Drawing on the ideas of the late Turkish sociologist Ziya Gökalp and economist Sabri Ülgener, Bahçeli argued that morality is the bedrock of both the family and the state. He called for "moral standardization" in politics, asserting that no corruption or irregularity should receive protection under the law.
"Justice and morality are based on conscience," Bahçeli said, calling for the state to inform the public transparently about the extent of municipal corruption. He urged the public not to be distracted by "virtual issues" and instead stay focused on the country’s long-term goals.
Contrasting Education and Social Order: France vs. Turkey
In the final section of his speech, Bahçeli compared recent social unrest in France with Turkey’s progress in education. He noted the mass student protests in France over deteriorating educational conditions and inequality, suggesting that these events highlight a breakdown in the European social state model.
"The heavy-handed police interventions in France, resulting in injuries and thousands of arrests, reveal the hypocrisy of those who habitually lecture others on democracy and human rights," Bahçeli remarked.
In contrast, he lauded Turkey’s performance in the PISA 2025 results released by the OECD. He highlighted that Turkey was the country that most increased its scores in mathematics, science, and reading compared to the previous assessment. He noted that Turkey has moved above the OECD average in science and reading and reached the average in mathematics.
"This success is a concrete indicator of Turkey’s progress in education," he said, while also calling for even greater resources to be allocated to the national education system. He envisioned a generation that is not only technologically proficient but also deeply rooted in "spiritual and cultural values."
Bahçeli concluded his address by invoking the words of the great folk poet Aşık Veysel, calling for an end to slander and for a spirit of brotherhood to prevail in the service of the nation. "Let us work together for the homeland; let us build many schools and factories," he quoted, reaffirming the MHP’s commitment to the "Century of Turkey" through unity, stability, and national strength.
