Columnist Close to Bahçeli: This Process Will End in Early Elections

As debates around early elections intensify, prominent political analyst and columnist Mümtaz’er Türköne, known for his close ties to MHP leader Devlet Bahçeli, stated in an interview with Euronews Turkish that Bahçeli is firmly committed to advancing what many are calling a “new solution process.”

Turkish politics is navigating one of its most turbulent and extraordinary periods in recent memory.

On one hand, we’re witnessing a political storm involving CHP’s presidential hopeful and Istanbul Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu, Zafer Party leader Ümit Özdağ, six CHP district mayors in Istanbul, and talent agent Ayşe Barım—all reportedly facing legal consequences or imprisonment. On the other, a controversial statement from Bahçeli on October 22—”Let Abdullah Öcalan come to Parliament and speak”—has fueled intense speculation about the revival of a “New Solution Process,” or what some have dubbed the “Imralı Process.”

This political backdrop has reignited early election discussions, especially following the news surrounding İmamoğlu.

Speaking to Euronews Turkish, Mümtaz’er Türköne, a respected political scientist and commentator, shared insights on these developments. While long rumored to be Bahçeli’s “secret speechwriter,” Türköne denied these claims and said he has had no contact with the MHP leader for over four years.

Still, Bahçeli’s previous remarks about Türköne’s imprisonment—calling for a fair reassessment of his case alongside other controversial detentions—remain fresh in public memory.

Türköne emphasized Bahçeli’s unwavering stance on pushing forward the solution process, even if it means going against his party’s traditional political base.

“An Early Election Is Inevitable”

Türköne pointed to the increasing instability in governance, especially between two political powerhouses he identifies: Bahçeli representing the “state” side, and President Erdoğan representing the “government” side. Despite not having direct communication with Bahçeli, Türköne said the MHP leader is following a strategic vision:

“Turkey, alongside the UK, US, and France, is working to establish a new order in the Middle East. And a domestic solution to the Kurdish  problme is a non-negotiable part of that.”

He believes Bahçeli is committed to this path not for political gain, but for long-term national interest.

Türköne added that this strategic alignment does not fully resonate with Erdoğan’s administration, which he said uses the current situation for day-to-day political leverage. As an example, Türköne highlighted Bahçeli’s call for Öcalan to address Parliament, followed swiftly by the removal of Ahmet Türk—a Kurdish figure considered close to Bahçeli, anmd mayor of the city Mardin—from office without legal justification.

“Early Elections Will Ease the Economic Pressure”

Türköne argued that an early election is no longer a political choice but an economic necessity.

“The moment early elections are announced, the economy will stabilize. The Turkish lira will strengthen, the stock market will rise, and credit default swaps will drop. There is no other viable path.”

He emphasized that the 2002 and 2015 early elections were both pushed by Bahçeli, and a similar move could be on the horizon.

“Erdoğan Is Trapped by His Own Power”

Türköne noted that since 2016, Turkey has evolved into a strong autocracy, leading to legal erosion and economic collapse. “The current government has no real tools left to fix this system. Erdoğan holds all power, but that very power is now a trap.”

He also dismissed fears that Erdoğan could singlehandedly dismantle the constitution: “There’s no real basis for that in practice. Unless he preserves a perception that he abides by the rule of law, the economic and political structure will continue to crumble.”

“Bahçeli Is Defying MHP’s Traditional Line”

Türköne noted that Bahçeli’s insistence on continuing the solution process runs counter to MHP’s hardline roots—suggesting that Bahçeli is acting more as a statesman than a party leader.

He also emphasized that resolving the Kurdish issue is only possible through restoring legal order and securing basic rights and freedoms—something Kurdish voters are also reportedly demanding.

“You cannot achieve peace in lawlessness. If Erdoğan continues resisting the rule of law, Bahçeli will do whatever it takes to carry the process forward—even call for early elections.”

Transtlated from Euronews Turkish

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