Crack in the People's Alliance: What is behind Bahçeli's move on İmamoğlu?

Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) Chairman Devlet Bahçeli, in a written statement on April 14 regarding the detention of Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (İBB) Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu, said, "The prosecution stages must be completed by ensuring the full addition of witness testimonies, clear and authentic evidence, along with other relevant information, documents, and findings to the case file; if suspect Ekrem İmamoğlu is innocent, his acquittal, or if not, his punishment, must be ensured in a manner consistent with the public conscience, and absolutely as soon as possible."

While Bahçeli's statement drew attention, İBB Mayor İmamoğlu, who is being held in Silivri Prison, stated that he found the remarks in question to be significant.

According to a report by Cumhuriyet, these developments have led to varying interpretations from within the MHP as well. Comments from the MHP side stated that there is no disagreement within the People's Alliance, and that the judicial process simply needs to be accelerated and İmamoğlu's guilt—or lack thereof—proven as soon as possible.

'A WARNING TO BOTH THE GOVERNMENT AND THE JUDICIARY'

It has been learned that the MHP front is uncomfortable with the İmamoğlu process. Emphasizing that the judicial process should be kept short, MHP sources pointed to the damage the process is causing to the economy.

Sources state that reports such as the "İmamoğlu operation" and "allegations of trustees being appointed to the CHP" will drag Turkey into a new crisis. Some sources suggest that Bahçeli's statements serve as a warning to both the judiciary and the government.

Stating that Bahçeli "finds the heating up of the streets dangerous" but that the AKP does not care about this reality, sources emphasize that the case must be concluded as soon as possible for the country's stability. On the other hand, sources also note that these developments will disrupt the İmralı process and push the DEM Party toward the CHP during this period.