Tuğrul Türkeş sends veiled message to MHP regarding Northern Cyprus: Is tension rising in the alliance?

Deepening disagreements within the People's Alliance following the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) presidential elections are drawing attention.

The congratulatory message sent by AKP member Tuğrul Türkeş to TRNC President Tufan Erhürman, which contradicts the stance of MHP Chairman Devlet Bahçeli, has brought the tension within the alliance to light. This move has been interpreted as a step that deepens the rift between the AKP and the MHP.

TRNC ELECTIONS DEEPEN THE RIFT IN THE PEOPLE'S ALLIANCE

The TRNC presidential elections held on October 19, 2025, were won by Republican Turkish Party (CTP) Chairman Tufan Erhürman. This result was a development that affected not only the political future of Cyprus but also Turkey's domestic politics. Erhürman's victory brought the disputes within the People's Alliance to the surface.

MHP Chairman Devlet Bahçeli did not attend the Anıtkabir ceremony on October 29, Republic Day, nor did he attend the reception at the Presidential Palace. Bahçeli's attitude was evaluated in political circles as a "silent protest."

Bahçeli's absence also caused a major stir within the MHP. Serious warnings regarding the MHP's stance have come from circles close to the AKP. There is a focus on the possibility that Bahçeli's approach could lead to a new political crisis within the People's Alliance.

Tuğrul Türkeş, an AKP politician and son of the MHP's founding leader Alparslan Türkeş, has become the center of attention with the congratulatory message he sent to TRNC President Tufan Erhürman. In his message, Türkeş wished Erhürman success with the following words:

“I congratulate you most sincerely on your election to the Presidency of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus. Following the elections, which took place with democratic maturity, your being deemed worthy of this important duty by the high favor of the people has become a powerful symbol of the Turkish Cypriot people's belief in democracy, their trust in their own will, and their hopes for the independent Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus.”

In his message, Türkeş stated that relations between the TRNC and Turkey would strengthen, adding, “I wholeheartedly believe that the political stability and economic development of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, as well as the constructive steps to be taken in the international arena, will contribute to the prosperity of the Turkish Cypriot people and that the deep-rooted bonds of brotherhood between the Republic of Turkey and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus will be further strengthened.”