Bahçeli Breaks Silence: From İmamoğlu Trials to Erdoğan Alliance and the Peace Process

Summary:

Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) leader Devlet Bahçeli has given his first in-depth interview in months, touching on Turkey’s most contentious political issues — from the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (İBB) investigations and relations with President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan to the ongoing peace process and the role of DEM Party. His remarks, published in Sabah, signal both strong backing for Erdoğan and surprising openness toward dialogue with Kurdish politicians.

On İmamoğlu’s Trial: “Indictments Must Be Ready in October”

Commenting on the legal cases against opposition mayors, including CHP’s jailed presidential candidate Ekrem İmamoğlu, Bahçeli said:

“If they are innocent, they should be acquitted; if guilty, they must be punished. Indictments must be prepared in October, shared with the public, and trials should begin promptly. There are valuable members of the judiciary who can do this, and we must trust them.”

Supports Broadcasting of Trials

Bahçeli once again supported CHP’s call to televise İBB-related trials live:

“We see no harm. Let the Turkish people see everything. Instead of endless TV debates, it is better for the public to draw conclusions directly from court proceedings.”

On CHP and Legal Rulings

Bahçeli criticized CHP’s stance of rejecting court rulings, stressing:

“You cannot simply say, ‘We do not recognize court decisions.’ Respect for the judiciary is necessary.”

He also urged CHP leader Özgür Özel to adopt a calmer tone:

“He makes very harsh statements. As opposition leader, he should act with more patience and composure.”

On Erdoğan and the 2028 Election

Bahçeli underlined that MHP’s support for President Erdoğan is based on institutional respect, not personal friendship:

“Our support is rooted in respect for the presidency. We fully support President Erdoğan and believe he should continue in office — including in 2028.”

The Peace Process and DEM Party

For the first time, Bahçeli explained why he shook hands with DEM Party deputies during the parliamentary opening:

“We had no hesitation. It was in line with President Erdoğan’s call for respect and cooperation among parties. It was a gesture of goodwill as part of the People’s Alliance.”

Bahçeli also made striking comments about reinstating Ahmet Türk as Mardin mayor and releasing Ahmet Özer, the jailed Esenyurt mayor, if Turkey is serious about peace:

“Peace is not a one-winged bird. If Turkey has entered a peace process, then Ahmet Özer should be released, and Ahmet Türk should be reinstated.”

Harsh Words for İYİ Party

Bahçeli ruled out any renewed alliance with İYİ Party, accusing breakaway factions of disrespect toward MHP:

“There is no chance of coming together again. Everyone in Turkey must take responsibility for peace — legal parties no less than the PKK.”

On Syria and Öcalan’s Role

Referencing Abdullah Öcalan’s February 27 statement declaring PKK’s disbandment, Bahçeli said:

“PKK has been dissolved and disarmed. Its members must obey Öcalan’s instructions. We remain determined to implement his decisions to ensure a terror-free Turkey.”

“I Would Shut Down Social Media”

Finally, Bahçeli voiced his strongest opposition yet to social media:

“Social media undermines family and social peace. If it were up to me, I would shut it all down within half an hour.”