Another reaction to Bahçeli's deputy proposal from Ümit Özdağ: 'Contrary to the principle of a national, unitary, and secular state'

MHP Chairman Devlet Bahçeli's proposal that "the President should have two deputies, one Kurdish and the other Alevi" continues to spark debate on the political scene. Another reaction to the proposal came from Zafer Party Chairman Prof. Dr. Ümit Özdağ.

In a statement on his social media account, Özdağ emphasized that Bahçeli's proposal contradicts the fundamental articles of the Constitution of the Republic of Turkey. Özdağ stated, "This proposal by MHP Chairman Dr. Devlet Bahçeli violates the first 3 articles, Article 10, and Article 66 of the Constitution."

Özdağ argued that this approach would make Turkey resemble countries experiencing regional ethnic and sectarian conflicts, saying, "This proposal is of a nature that will Yugoslavize, Iraqize, and Lebanonize Turkey."

Stating that distributing positions based on ethnic and sectarian identities could lead to much more dangerous consequences, Özdağ warned, "If positions are distributed based on sect and ethnicity, this will not be limited to the vice presidency. The question of which ministries will be given to Turks and Sunnis will immediately arise. In fact, Sunni Turks will say that they will not give up critical institutions such as the Interior, Foreign Affairs, National Defense, and the MIT."

The Zafer Party leader called on the public to be cautious, stating that the proposal in question is "harmful, unacceptable, and contrary to the principles of a national, unitary, and secular state."

Following Devlet Bahçeli's statements, debates on an "ethnicity and sect-based governance model" have reignited in politics, while concerns regarding the constitutional order have begun to find a stronger voice within the opposition front.