In a comprehensive address to the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) parliamentary group meeting, Chairman Devlet Bahçeli provided an extensive evaluation of Turkey’s domestic and international agenda. Speaking at the Turkish Grand National Assembly (TBMM), the MHP leader articulated a resolute vision for a "terror-free Turkey" and a "terror-free region," while addressing a wide array of pressing issues ranging from maritime disputes with Greece and the escalating crisis in the Middle East to domestic corruption investigations and the moral foundations of the Turkish state.
Bahçeli’s speech, which resonated with themes of national sovereignty, historical responsibility, and ethical purification, underscored the MHP’s commitment to the "People’s Alliance" and its long-term strategic goals for the country. He emphasized that Turkey is currently in a period of "cleansing and clarification," asserting that the nation would not be deterred from its path by external provocations or internal political maneuvers.
Condolences and the Call for Urban Resilience
The MHP Chairman began his address on a somber note, reflecting on a series of tragic accidents that occurred over the past week, which he said had deeply saddened the nation. He specifically cited the building collapse in Istanbul’s Maltepe district, which resulted in the deaths of five citizens and left 11 others injured. Furthermore, he addressed the devastating traffic accidents in Manisa’s Akhisar district, where 11 people lost their lives, and a separate incident in Kahramanmaraş that claimed one life and injured several others, including MHP Kahramanmaraş Deputy Zuhal Karakoç.
"I pray for God’s mercy upon our citizens who lost their lives in these tragedies and wish a speedy recovery to the injured," Bahçeli stated. He used these incidents as a catalyst to call for more stringent safety measures and a nationwide commitment to urban transformation. Highlighting the importance of life safety in both transportation and housing, he urged the government to accelerate the mobilization for urban renewal, particularly in areas identified as high-risk for seismic activity. He emphasized that the construction of safe, resilient structures across the country is not merely a policy goal but a fundamental duty of the state to its people.
Turkey as a Geopolitical and Cultural Powerhouse
Transitioning to Turkey’s broader role on the global stage, Bahçeli described the country as a state whose power and influence are recognized by the entire world. He argued that Turkey is more than just a geographic entity; it is the heir to a magnificent civilization and a rich Turkish-Islamic tradition.
"Turkey is the address for new meetings and reconciliations in the world," Bahçeli remarked, suggesting that the country’s historical and cultural depth provides it with a unique "soft power" that can light the way for other oppressed nations seeking a life of honor and freedom. He stressed that Turkey must move past societal debates that lack real-world resonance and instead focus its energy on building a prosperous, happy nation rooted in high values.
Reiterating a point from his previous addresses, Bahçeli noted that while different political actors may have varying ideological coordinates, the "political center" for all must remain Turkey. He expressed unwavering confidence that the Turkish nation possesses the capability to integrate its vast historical experience with contemporary democratic values to create a new, grand civilization.
The Resolution for a Terror-Free Turkey
A central pillar of Bahçeli’s speech was the ongoing struggle against terrorism. He defined the initiative for a "terror-free Turkey" as the manifestation of the collective will to live in unity and peace. This vision, he explained, is not limited to Turkey’s borders but extends to the surrounding region, aiming to establish a just order based on Turkish-Islamic principles.
Bahçeli warned that Turkey’s enemies and those with ambitions of regional hegemony are deeply concerned by the prospect of a stable and terror-free Turkey. He argued that throughout history, various systematic efforts—ranging from economic sabotage to political polarization and direct violence—have been deployed to weaken the Turkish state.
"Let it be known in advance: Turkey will not turn back from its path, and the Turkish nation will not turn back from its decision," Bahçeli declared. He vowed that the steps toward a terror-free Turkey would be taken with "seriousness and sincerity" and would be brought to a conclusion in the shortest possible time. He characterized this process as a matter of national consciousness, aimed at securing the future of the Turkish "Century."
Regional Crises: Israel’s Barbarism and the Defense of Holy Lands
Turning his attention to the Middle East, the MHP leader launched a scathing critique of Israel’s military actions and provocations. He accused Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of pursuing a "genocidal policy" that is devastating Gaza and expanding its destructive reach into the West Bank and Syria. Bahçeli described the scenes coming out of the region as a "stain on humanity" that continues to unfold before the eyes of international institutions.
He specifically condemned provocations regarding the Al-Aqsa Mosque, Turkey’s "first Qibla," and linked regional instability to Houthi attacks targeting the "Holy Lands." Bahçeli’s rhetoric was particularly strong when discussing the defense of Mecca and Medina. He reminded his audience of the historical "Defense of Medina" led by Fahrettin Pasha, noting that the Turkish soldier earned the title "Mehmetçik" on those very lands.
"We cannot remain silent or indifferent to attacks on our holy sites, regardless of which sovereign state currently holds those borders," Bahçeli asserted. He called for the use of diplomacy, and if diplomacy fails, the deployment of "deterrent power" to protect the Islamic world’s most sacred locations.
In this context, Bahçeli expressed strong support for Saudi Arabia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. He advocated for Turkey to provide all necessary military support for the defense of Saudi Arabia within the framework of a joint defense understanding. He condemned Houthi attacks on civilian infrastructure, such as the strikes on King Khalid International Airport, as crimes under international law that threaten the peace of the entire region. He urged the Islamic world to stand united against "those who sow seeds of discord in Tel Aviv" and called for an end to sectarian conflicts that drain the region’s resources.
Tensions with Greece and the Eastern Mediterranean
On the issue of maritime jurisdiction and relations with Greece, Bahçeli issued a stern warning to Athens. He addressed the proposed electricity interconnector project between Greece, Southern Cyprus, and Israel, which has reignited disputes over maritime zones. Bahçeli criticized the Greek administration’s belief that it could bypass Turkey’s objections by gaining the support of third parties like the United States or by forming an alliance with Israel.
"If the Greek government is arming itself to protect itself from us, I advise them to instead take refuge in ‘Turkish Peace.’ If they are arming themselves to scare us, they should never forget that no power can intimidate us," Bahçeli stated.
He urged Greek politicians to realize that the "respect and friendship" offered by Turkey are far more valuable and powerful than any weapons or ammunition they might purchase from Israel. He emphasized that as long as Greece refuses to recognize Turkey’s rights and the sovereignty of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), it will never truly feel secure, regardless of its international alliances.
Domestic Corruption and the ‘Fund’ Scandal
Addressing the internal state of the country, Bahçeli spoke of a period of "purification" in Turkish politics and public administration. He noted that as Turkey strengthens its national unity, provocations aimed at sabotaging social peace have increased.
The MHP leader touched upon ongoing investigations into municipal corruption, insisting that those who exploit public resources or "lay a hand on the rights of orphans" must not be protected or portrayed as innocent. He also referenced the recent "fund" scandal—a high-profile financial investigation involving prominent figures in the sports world and banking sector—which has dominated the national headlines.
Bahçeli accused the political opposition of using the fund scandal as an "escape ramp" to divert attention from allegations of bribery and corruption within opposition-run municipalities. "The opposition is trying to use the fund crisis as a tool for ‘political anesthesia,’ hoping to hide their own moral deficiencies under the cover of a synthetic agenda," he argued.
He called on state institutions to provide the public with accurate and transparent information regarding these investigations. Bahçeli stressed that while the judiciary must act swiftly to protect small investors and ensure justice, the public should not be led into a state of "hopelessness or polarization" by manipulative media narratives.
The Moral and Philosophical Foundation of the State
In a more philosophical segment of his speech, Bahçeli discussed the necessity of "ethical standardization" in social and political life. He referenced the works of prominent Turkish thinkers Ziya Gökalp and Sabri Ülgener to explain the link between morality, economics, and the state.
Quoting Gökalp, Bahçeli noted that both the "private guardianship" of the family and the "public guardianship" of the state derive their strength from ethics. He argued that a society that loses its moral compass will inevitably face a crisis of order. He defined morality not just as a set of prohibitions, but as a mindset that imposes social responsibility on the individual.
"Ethics is the center of gravity for economic activity and social life," Bahçeli said, citing Ülgener’s insights into the "morality of economics." He argued that Turkey must establish high ethical standards, starting with its political institutions, to ensure that justice is distributed fairly.
Education and International Comparisons
Finally, Bahçeli addressed the recent student protests in France, contrasting them with Turkey’s recent successes in education. He noted that the unrest in France, driven by demands for better school conditions and equality, highlights a growing sense of anxiety among European youth and a breakdown of the "social state" model. He criticized the "hypocrisy" of European leaders who lecture others on human rights but ignore the heavy-handed police response to their own citizens.
In contrast, Bahçeli highlighted Turkey’s improvement in the PISA 2025 results, where the country showed the highest score increase among OECD nations in mathematics, science, and reading. He emphasized the need to continue investing in the national education system to raise generations that are both technologically proficient and rooted in cultural and spiritual values.
"The architects of the ‘Turkish Century’ will be virtuous, faithful, and entrepreneurial generations who have internalized our national values," Bahçeli concluded. He called on MHP deputies to focus their legislative efforts on solving the socio-economic problems of the citizens, promising that the "People’s Alliance" would work tirelessly to make the nation happier and the state stronger.
Concluding with a verse from the legendary folk poet Aşık Veysel, Bahçeli called for an end to "slander and calumny" and urged the nation to work together in brotherhood to build schools and factories for the future of the homeland.
