Devlet Bahçeli, the Chairman of the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP), delivered a comprehensive and far-reaching address during his party’s parliamentary group meeting at the Turkish Grand National Assembly (TBMM) this week. Addressing a wide array of domestic and international issues, Bahçeli reaffirmed the party’s commitment to a "terror-free Turkey" and a "terror-free region," while simultaneously issuing stern warnings to regional actors and domestic political rivals. His speech, which touched upon everything from the humanitarian crisis in Gaza to municipal corruption and educational standards, served as a programmatic declaration of the MHP’s current political stance within the People’s Alliance.
The MHP leader began his address with a message of national solidarity, emphasizing that the Turkish nation remains steadfast in its resolve despite various external pressures and internal challenges. "Turkey will not turn back from its path, and the Turkish nation will not turn back from its decision," Bahçeli declared, setting a tone of defiance and determination that characterized much of his two-hour speech.
National Tragedies and the Call for Urban Resilience
Before delving into the complexities of geopolitics, Bahçeli took a moment to address several tragic incidents that have recently shaken the Turkish public. He expressed deep sorrow over the collapse of a two-story building in Istanbul’s Maltepe district, which resulted in the deaths of five citizens and left eleven others injured. He also extended his condolences to the families of those lost in a series of severe traffic accidents in Manisa’s Akhisar district and in Kahramanmaraş. Notably, the Kahramanmaraş accident involved MHP Member of Parliament Zuhal Karakoç, who was among the seven people injured in a crash that claimed the life of a young man.
Bahçeli used these tragedies to highlight the urgent need for structural reforms in Turkey’s infrastructure. He emphasized that the state-led mobilization for urban transformation (Kentsel Dönüşüm) must be completed with the utmost speed. "The construction of safe buildings across our country, particularly in areas with high earthquake risks, is not just a policy but a necessity for the preservation of life," he stated. He called for a comprehensive approach to traffic safety to minimize the risks of further loss on Turkey’s highways.
The Centrality of Turkey in the Global Political Landscape
A significant portion of Bahçeli’s speech was dedicated to Turkey’s historical and cultural identity. He argued that Turkey is not merely a nation-state but the heir to a "magnificent civilization" and a rich Turkic-Islamic tradition. According to the MHP leader, Turkey’s geopolitical position and its accumulation of cultural capital make it a natural center for global reconciliation and a beacon of hope for oppressed nations.
"Regardless of our ideological coordinates, our political center is Turkey," Bahçeli noted, reiterating a point from his previous addresses. He suggested that by setting aside internal debates that lack social resonance, Turkey can focus its energy on building a prosperous future and a new civilization equipped with high moral values. He expressed his absolute confidence in the Turkish nation’s ability to merge its deep historical experience with universal democratic achievements to create a leading global power.
A Vision for a Region Purged of Terrorism
The concept of a "terror-free Turkey" was a recurring theme in Bahçeli’s remarks. He described this vision as a state of consciousness aimed at building a new civilization centered on Turkey—one that offers a just order to the broader Turkic and Islamic geographies. However, he warned that this initiative has unsettled those who harbor ambitions of dominance in the region.
Bahçeli observed that whenever Turkey enters a period of peace and security, systematic efforts to weaken the state are activated. He drew parallels to the past, noting that economic instability, political polarization, and social violence have all been used as tools to divide the nation. "Those who wish to sabotage the environment of peace and trust we have captured are back in play," he warned. Despite this, he insisted that the steps toward a terror-free Turkey would be taken with sincerity and seriousness, reaching their ultimate conclusion in the shortest possible time.
Condemning Regional Aggression: Israel and the Houthi Attacks
Turning his attention to the Middle East, Bahçeli lashed out at the escalating provocations by Israel. He characterized the actions of the Israeli government as "barbarism," particularly highlighting the provocations surrounding Al-Aqsa Mosque, which he described as the first Qibla of Islam. He argued that the "genocidal" policies of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu are aimed at consuming Gaza and expanding a cycle of destruction into the West Bank and Syria.
Simultaneously, Bahçeli addressed the instability in the Arabian Peninsula, specifically the Houthi attacks originating from Yemen against Saudi Arabia. He emphasized that Turkey cannot remain silent or indifferent to attacks on the holy lands of Mecca and Medina. He recalled the historic defense of Medina by Fahrettin Pasha, noting that the Turkish soldier earned the title "Mehmetçik" on those very lands.
In a significant policy statement, Bahçeli called for Turkey to provide "every possible military support" for the defense of Saudi Arabia within the framework of the "Mecca Alliance." He cited specific incidents, such as the October 10th and 11th attacks on King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, which resulted in numerous civilian casualties. "Attacking civilians and civilian infrastructure is a grave crime under international and humanitarian law," he asserted, urging for the use of deterrent power if diplomacy fails to stop the aggression. He called on the Islamic world to stand united against those who sow seeds of discord and sectarian conflict for the benefit of Tel Aviv.
Warnings to Greece and the Aegean Dispute
The MHP leader also addressed the growing tensions in the Eastern Mediterranean and the Aegean. He criticized the Greek administration’s attempts to seek security through military cooperation with Israel and the United States. Specifically, he targeted the proposed electrical connection project between Greece, Southern Cyprus, and Israel, which involves disputed maritime jurisdiction areas.
Bahçeli warned Athens that relying on third-party support to bypass Turkey’s legitimate objections is a "serious mistake." He argued that Greece would never feel truly secure until it recognizes Turkey’s rights and the sovereignty of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus. "If the Greek government is arming itself to protect itself from us, they should instead seek refuge in Turkish peace," he advised. "If they are arming themselves to scare us, they should never forget that no power can intimidate us." He urged Greek politicians to realize that Turkey’s friendship is far more valuable than any weaponry sold by Israel.
Domestic Integrity: Corruption and the "Fund" Scandal
Shifting to domestic affairs, Bahçeli addressed the ongoing investigations into municipal corruption and the high-profile "fund" scandal involving prominent figures in the sports world. He asserted that Turkey is currently in a period of "purification and clearing," where deep-rooted issues are finally being addressed.
However, he accused the opposition of using the celebrity investment fund crisis as an "escape ramp" to divert public attention from corruption within opposition-run municipalities. He argued that the media and certain political circles are attempting to anesthetize the public with "artificial agendas" to cover up the embezzlement of public funds and the violation of "the rights of the orphan" in local governments.
Bahçeli emphasized that morality is the cornerstone of a healthy social order. Citing the thinkers Ziya Gökalp and Sabri Ülgener, he argued that economic activity and state authority must derive their strength from ethics. "A society that has lost its moral ties will flounder in social disorder," he said. He called for the establishment of moral standards first and foremost within the institution of politics and urged state institutions to inform the public transparently about the extent of municipal corruption.
Contrasting Education: France’s Unrest vs. Turkey’s Progress
In the final section of his speech, Bahçeli compared the recent student protests in France with Turkey’s educational trajectory. He observed that the mass demonstrations in Bastille Square, fueled by concerns over education inequality and teacher shortages, signal a breakdown in the European social state model. He criticized the "hypocrisy" of European leaders who lecture others on human rights but ignore police violence against their own students.
In contrast, Bahçeli praised Turkey’s performance in the OECD’s PISA 2025 results. He noted that Turkey was the OECD country that most increased its scores in mathematics, science, and reading compared to the previous assessment. He called for continued investment in national education to raise a generation that is technologically savvy, entrepreneurially minded, and rooted in national values. "The architects of the Turkish Century will be these virtuous and faithful generations," he said.
Conclusion: A Call for Unity
Bahçeli concluded his address by invoking the words of the legendary Turkish folk poet Aşık Veysel, calling for an end to slander and a commitment to brotherhood. He urged his fellow parliamentarians to focus their legislative efforts on solving the socio-economic problems of the citizens in the coming term.
"Turkey is no longer the ‘old Turkey,’" Bahçeli reminded the assembly. "It is a sovereign power with a deterrent defense industry, effective diplomacy, and a grand economic capacity." He promised that the People’s Alliance would continue to break the "games" played against Turkey and build a strong future through national unity. With a final salutation to the nation and the party faithful, he ended the meeting, leaving the assembly with a message of institutional resilience and national hope.
