Tuncay Mollaveisoğlu writes: 'Contrary to his claims, Bahçeli's speech shows there is a problem in the alliance'

"Is there a crack in the People's Alliance?" The statements made first by Erdoğan regarding the 50+1 rule, which led to this question, and then by his alliance partner Devlet Bahçeli at today's parliamentary group meeting, are being followed closely by the entire public.

Evaluating the statements made by Bahçeli at the group meeting today (November 21, 2023), Tuncay Mollaveisoğlu said, "In the speech he just gave, Devlet Bahçeli, contrary to Erdoğan, emphasized that 50+1 is the foundation of democratic legitimacy for the new system.

By saying, 'Electing a President with 50+1 votes is a form of pluralist democracy that will set a precedent for the world,' he actually showed where the MHP stands. He said, 'We are not electing a village headman, we are electing a President'... By saying, 'As the MHP, we are at the same point today as we were yesterday,' he reminded Erdoğan of the promise he made and the 50+1 agreement between them. He conveyed the message, 'Do not go back on your word.'"

(Bahçeli answered questions from numerous journalists after the group meeting)

Here is Mollaveisoğlu's assessment regarding the consecutive statements made by the ruling partners on the 50+1 rule

What did Bahçeli want to say to Erdoğan?

Erdoğan clearly opened the 50+1 rule to debate without asking Bahçeli. The biggest discomfort lies here...

MHP leader Devlet Bahçeli lashed out at the opposition and journalists who said there is a "crack in the People's Alliance" during his group meeting today.

Although Bahçeli wanted to speak without targeting Erdoğan, his statements were directly aimed at him. They were a response to Erdoğan's desire to lower the 50+1 threshold, which he did without consulting him.

Moreover, while doing so, he also reminded everyone of the events the MHP "had to swallow" during the election process, thereby highlighting the great effort and sacrifice he has shown for the alliance.

Contrary to his claims, Bahçeli's speech shows there is a problem in the alliance.

This is because President Erdoğan brought up the 50+1 threshold, which is vital for the alliance, on a plane returning from his visit to Germany without consulting or asking his alliance partner!

Let us recall what Erdoğan said;

"It would be appropriate to change the 50+1 requirement. If the one who gets the majority is elected, the Presidential election will also be quick, it won't be a hassle, and it won't lead to wrong paths. The current 50+1 obligation leads parties down the wrong paths. It is unclear whose hand is in whose pocket. There is the table of six, the table of sixteen..."

'It is unclear whose hand is in whose pocket' is a characterization that actually applies to the government as well. Because the AKP also had to go to the election by including two other parties besides the MHP as mandatory partners.

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In the speech he just gave, Devlet Bahçeli, contrary to Erdoğan, emphasized that 50+1 is the foundation of democratic legitimacy for the new system.

By saying, 'Electing a President with 50+1 votes is a form of pluralist democracy that will set a precedent for the world,' he actually showed where the MHP stands. He said, 'We are not electing a village headman, we are electing a President'... By saying, 'As the MHP, we are at the same point today as we were yesterday,' he reminded Erdoğan of the promise he made and the 50+1 agreement between them. He conveyed the message, 'Do not go back on your word.'

Bahçeli's statements were under the headline 'There is no crack in the People's Alliance,' but they were clearly a direct response to Erdoğan.

It is obvious that Erdoğan opening the threshold to debate without consulting Bahçeli has caused great discomfort within the MHP. Bahçeli tried to veil this discomfort as much as possible, expressing it with extremely harsh words toward the opposition and extremely polite expressions toward the government.

Bahçeli's following words were a polite expression of the discomfort felt over the statement Erdoğan made on the plane, which could be considered unserious: "As the People's Alliance, we also believe that a common path and a reasonable solution can be achieved through understanding and consensus."

In other words, Bahçeli told Erdoğan, 'It is not right for you to make a statement without asking us.'

He reminded him, 'We put a lot of effort into the alliance, we turned a blind eye, we paid a price.' He reminded Erdoğan of his word.

By saying, '50+1 is the correct threshold, but we can find a reasonable path by talking,' he left the door open for the senior partner...

My opinion is that the issue will be opened to debate, discussed, and in the end, it will be decided to lower the threshold again with Bahçeli's approval. However, I also note that they cannot do this without changing the Constitution.

News Source: 12punto