What is behind Bahçeli's absence from Anıtkabir and the Presidential Palace? The notable 'opening process' claim

Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) Chairman Devlet Bahçeli did not attend the visit made by state officials to Anıtkabir on October 29 Republic Day.

The MHP was represented by Deputy Speaker of the Grand National Assembly of Turkey Celal Adan and MHP Group Deputy Chairman Erkan Akçay.

Following the ceremony at Anıtkabir, an October 29 reception was held at the Presidential Palace upon the invitation of AKP Chairman and President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.

The reception was attended by DEVA Party Chairman Ali Babacan, Future Party Chairman Ahmet Davutoğlu, New Welfare Party Chairman Fatih Erbakan, HÜDAPAR Chairman Zekeriya Yapıcıoğlu, DSP Chairman Önder Aksakal, Felicity Party Chairman Mahmut Arıkan, and Sinan Oğan, who decided to support Erdoğan in the second round of the 2023 presidential elections. While the CHP and the İYİ Party did not attend the reception, it was learned that the DEM Party was not invited.

On the other hand, Ahmet Davutoğlu and Ali Babacan, who have recently been on the agenda with claims that they will join the AKP, were invited to an event at the Palace for the first time.

It was noted that MHP leader Bahçeli, who did not attend the ceremony at Anıtkabir, was also absent from the reception at the Palace. Bahçeli, who did not attend the reception, sent a special gift he had commissioned for Erdoğan for the 102nd anniversary of the Republic.

The painting, which features Erdoğan's portrait and signature alongside the Turkish flag and the Presidential seal, included Bahçeli's message: "Happy 102nd anniversary of our Republic."

Various conflicting claims have been made regarding Bahçeli's absence from both Anıtkabir and the Palace. Journalist İsmail Saymaz interpreted this stance by Bahçeli as a 'silent protest,' stating, "MHP leader Bahçeli did not attend the October 29 ceremonies at Anıtkabir today. The MHP was represented by Celal Adan and Erkan Akçay. MHP members were completely absent from the Republic reception at Beştepe in the evening. This silent protest by the MHP began with the difference of opinion regarding the Cyprus election and continues."

Journalist Hilal Köylü, contrary to Saymaz, suggested that the reason for Bahçeli's absence was not Cyprus, but the new opening process called 'Terror-Free Turkey.'

In a post on her X account, Köylü claimed that Bahçeli wanted to accelerate the opening process and noted the following:

"Bahçeli did not attend the October 29 reception at the Palace. The issue is not the difference of opinion that occurred after the Cyprus election. The real issue is 'Terror-Free Turkey' and the contact the commission will establish with İmralı. Bahçeli wants to accelerate the process. Because AKP members do not want to go to İmralı. All eyes are on the Erdoğan-DEM İmralı Delegation meeting. Will Erdoğan be able to quickly resolve the commission's visit to İmralı?"

Following all these claims, Mehmet Müftüoğlu, Editor-in-Chief of Türkgün Newspaper, known for its proximity to the MHP, shared a photo of himself with Devlet Bahçeli on his X account with the note, "To understand MHP leader Devlet Bahçeli well, and to read his messages correctly!"