Bahçeli Calls for Stronger Legal Alignment in Presidential System

Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) leader Devlet Bahçeli has called for strengthening the institutional and legal foundations of Türkiye’s Presidential Government System, emphasizing that its effectiveness must be enhanced through comprehensive legal alignment.

Speaking at the MHP’s 57th anniversary program at the Alparslan Türkeş Political Academy Foundation, Bahçeli delivered an extensive address covering governance reforms, national unity, economic policy, regional developments, and the party’s long-term strategic vision.

Highlighting the importance of institutional coherence, Bahçeli stated, “Demokratik hukuk devleti güçlendirilmeli ve devlet ile toplum düzeni, Cumhurbaşkanlığı Hükümet Sistemi’yle tam uyumlu olacak şekilde yasal çerçeve oluşturulmalıdır.” He stressed that reinforcing the democratic rule of law within the current executive system is essential for sustainable governance.

Enhancing the Presidential Government System

Bahçeli argued that the value added by the Presidential Government System must be carried forward through stronger legal infrastructure. According to him, ensuring full institutional harmony between state mechanisms and social order requires carefully designed legislation.

He framed this process not merely as administrative reform, but as a structural necessity for long-term stability. The MHP leader also highlighted the social dimension of governance, reiterating earlier remarks on pension payments and minimum wage policies. He emphasized that economic and social strategies must be designed to protect lower-income citizens and implemented consistently.

By linking governance reform with socio-economic safeguards, Bahçeli positioned institutional strengthening and social protection as interconnected pillars of political stability.

“Terror-Free Türkiye” and Syria’s New Equation

Addressing national security, Bahçeli cited the ongoing “terror-free Türkiye” objective, noting that recent developments in Syria represent a critical threshold toward achieving it. He stated that Syria has reached a stage where it can be cleared of terrorism and characterized the Syrian people as the primary beneficiaries of this process.

Bahçeli argued that a unitary and unified Syrian structure is strategically necessary for regional stability. He also reiterated the importance of continuing efforts against what he described as “crypto elements” linked to FETÖ and similar networks within state institutions.

His remarks underscored a broader emphasis on national unity and the consolidation of security, themes that have remained central to MHP’s political discourse.

2053 Vision and Three-Phase Strategic Plan

One of the most notable elements of Bahçeli’s speech was the unveiling of a long-term strategic roadmap extending to 2053 and beyond. The MHP leader outlined a three-stage plan spanning 27 years, divided into nine-year phases.

The first phase, covering 2026–2035, was described as the “National Unity and Development Initiative.” Bahçeli characterized this period as focused on addressing socioeconomic challenges and strengthening internal cohesion.

He projected that by 2044, Türkiye would become a “central country,” implying greater geopolitical and economic influence. The ultimate 2053 milestone was defined as a “Global Leadership and Civilization Construction Period.”

Looking further ahead, Bahçeli cited 2071 as a symbolic endpoint aligned with his aspiration for “cihan ve uzay hakimiyeti,” reflecting a vision of Türkiye as a decisive actor in the global system.

Party Legacy and Ideological Continuity

Marking the 57th anniversary of the MHP, Bahçeli delivered a lengthy reflection on the party’s historical journey, emphasizing continuity in principles and political identity.

He stated: “Milliyetçi Hareket Partisi’nin Türk siyasi hayatındaki 57 yıllık şerefli yolculuğunun yıldönümünde hepinizi en iyi dileklerimle, hürmet ve muhabbetle selamlıyorum. ‘Şanla Şerefle’ nice 57 yıllara diyorum.”

Throughout his address, Bahçeli highlighted the party’s ideological foundations, referencing historical figures and intellectual traditions that have shaped Turkish nationalism. He emphasized that the MHP has maintained its core stance without deviation, stating, “Ne çizgimizden saptık ne duruşumuzu bozduk.”

He also reiterated that the party views politics not as a narrow power struggle but as a means to secure social harmony and national continuity.