Bahçeli’s İmralı move heats up politics: Warning of 'Öcalan risk' from AKP figure

The political agenda has been stirred up once again by new statements regarding the process dubbed "Turkey without Terrorism." Within the scope of the process initiated in October 2024 at the call of MHP Chairman Devlet Bahçeli, the request by the commission established in the Turkish Grand National Assembly to meet with terrorist organization leader Abdullah Öcalan at İmralı has become the center of debate.

ERDOĞAN’S ASSESSMENT

President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, in his assessment regarding Bahçeli’s words, stated that the remarks were "courageous." Erdoğan expressed that Bahçeli has made significant contributions to the process reaching its current stage.

CAUTIOUS MESSAGES FROM THE AKP

As the management of the process within the party continues, it has been observed that cautious statements are being made from the AKP. The most notable among these was the assessment by AKP’s Şamil Tayyar. Tayyar reminded the party leadership of the impact the process has created on public opinion.

A STRIKING WARNING FROM TAYYAR

In a post on social media, Şamil Tayyar stated that Öcalan becoming more visible within the process has created strong reactions among the public. Tayyar’s statements served as a warning regarding the party’s way of managing the process.

Tayyar used the following expressions:

I am one of the first to state that there is no disagreement between the AK Party and MHP leadership regarding the İmralı visit.

Unless an extraordinary development occurs, the commission is headed to İmralı.

This is the current situation, but I would like to share an observation.

While the 'Turkey without Terrorism' project aims to end terrorism, I believe a different alternative to the İmralı program should be produced so that it does not devastate the political landscape.

There is an incredible reaction in public opinion to the potential meeting of members of parliament with Öcalan.

As Öcalan becomes more visible in the process and assumes a decisive position, public reaction intensifies.

The İmralı visit carries a political risk that is difficult to compensate for center parties like the AK Party.

The decision rests with the parties; I just wanted to share my field observation. Humbly…

News Source: 12punto