Behind the scenes: Soylu could be MHP's Istanbul candidate
Cumhuriyet columnist Mustafa Balbay has claimed that MHP leader Devlet Bahçeli could nominate former Interior Minister and AKP Istanbul MP Süleyman Soylu, whom he has publicly supported, as the candidate for the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (IBB).
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MHP Chairman Devlet Bahçeli has issued a statement of support for former Interior Minister Süleyman Soylu, reacting sharply to allegations that Ayhan Bora Kaplan, who was arrested on charges of establishing an organized crime syndicate, was linked to Soylu.
"THE MHP STANDS BEHIND MR. SÜLEYMAN SOYLU"
Stating that the operation was a 'judicial matter,' Bahçeli said, "The Nationalist Movement Party stands behind Mr. Süleyman Soylu to the end, as a requirement of loyalty and political morality."
"MAY GOD NOT TAKE HIM FROM US"
In a statement following Bahçeli's message of support, Süleyman Soylu said, "I present my respects to my elder, Nationalist Movement Party Chairman Dr. Devlet Bahçeli, who has once again allowed us to experience the honor and dignity of serving our country, our state, and our nation today. May God not take him from us. May God be pleased with him."
While the mutual statements between Bahçeli and Soylu remain a hot topic, Cumhuriyet columnist Mustafa Balbay has put forward a striking claim. Speaking to Tele1, Balbay said, "I believe this show of support at a critical moment is not just about the scope of the investigation." Balbay stated that Soylu could be the MHP's candidate for the IBB mayoralty.
Balbay said the following:
"Devlet Bahçeli intervened at a critical moment regarding the recent operations and stood by Soylu. Is the current Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya from the CHP? No. So who is the message for? The government. I think this is not just about standing by him. I hesitate to say it, but Süleyman Soylu could be the MHP's Istanbul candidate. And he might impose him on the AKP. The AKP won't be stubborn, but they don't have a guaranteed candidate for Istanbul. It wouldn't surprise me if this happens. Perhaps the MHP has already started cooking this up quietly."
"THE MEANING OF BAHÇELİ'S MESSAGE"
"Because Turkey is just getting to know the current alliance system. Alliances and coalitions that used to be made after elections are now being made before them. In post-election alliances, two parties join forces and govern the country. The junior partners in such alliances have gotten a taste of being decisive. This also applies to the IYI Party. The IYI Party says, 'If the CHP cannot win Istanbul or Ankara without me, then I am at least as important as the CHP...' The MHP is now similarly demanding a fair share and is making preparations in this regard. I think this support for Süleyman Soylu at a critical moment is not just about keeping him within the scope of the investigation, but is aimed at bringing Soylu back onto the political stage. In Ankara's political circles, it is said that Soylu could eventually lead the MHP. But that is a bit of a long-term assessment. Party leaders generally don't think about dying. That's not in the picture. They say, 'After me, the deluge...'"