Bahçeli lashes out at Özgür Özel: Brings up new party scenario

Making new assessments regarding the ongoing CHP debates, MHP Chairman Devlet Bahçeli issued comprehensive statements concerning the process following the absolute nullity decision. Speaking to TürkGün newspaper chief columnist Yıldıray Çiçek, Bahçeli stated that the picture emerging within the CHP should not be viewed merely as an internal party matter.

"PARALLEL LEADERSHIP" CRITICISM FOR ÖZGÜR ÖZEL

Bahçeli claimed that Özgür Özel made a de facto intervention by moving to the Group Chairmanship of the Grand National Assembly of Turkey. Arguing that a new and parallel center has been created within the CHP, Bahçeli said this has led to a crisis of representation within the party.

Asserting that Özel is trying to transform the internal problem into social opposition through anti-government sentiment, Bahçeli alleged that he is attempting to mobilize party organizations in his favor and position other opposition parties alongside him during this process.

"LEADERSHIP STRUGGLE DEEPENS POLARIZATION"

Stating that the increasingly fierce leadership struggle within the CHP has the potential to further exacerbate the current environment of polarization, Bahçeli said that the parties evaluating each other not as political rivals but through the lens of legitimacy issues is hardening the political discourse.

Bahçeli expressed that tensions centered on social media and traditional media are rising, the ground for social consensus is narrowing, and trust in institutional structures could be damaged.

"THE GOAL OF A TERROR-FREE TURKEY MAY BE OVERSHADOWED"

The MHP leader expressed that if the tension within the CHP escalates, it could become difficult to establish common ground on issues requiring social peace and broad political consensus.

Bahçeli stated that the public's attention being diverted to internal party disputes instead of the goal of a Terror-Free Turkey and the reform agenda could lead to negative consequences.

REACTION TO ANITKABİR AND TBMM MARCHES

Evaluating Özgür Özel's marches to Anıtkabir and the TBMM, Bahçeli argued that these initiatives have the potential to trigger tense fault lines in Turkish politics.

While claiming that Özel is trying to portray himself as a representative of democracy, the rule of law, and Atatürk's legacy, Bahçeli also criticized the reading of Atatürk's Address to the Youth at Anıtkabir.

"HE CANNOT BE ATATÜRK'S HEIR"

Bahçeli stated that due to the language used and his political stance, Özgür Özel cannot be seen as Atatürk's heir or a leader of the Turkish youth.

Arguing that a sufficient stance has not been taken against various allegations raised within the CHP, Bahçeli claimed that Özel prefers to cover up criticisms directed at his party rather than addressing them.

"ADOLESCENT REVOLUTIONISM" LABEL

The MHP Chairman described Özel's political style as "adolescent revolutionism." Stating that this approach does not reflect a responsible political understanding for either the CHP or Turkey, Bahçeli argued that street politics and rallies are also intended to maintain support within the party organizations.

Bahçeli further claimed that certain files and allegations that have come to the fore in the CHP are being acted upon out of concern that they might lead to a loss of support within the organizations.

DREW ATTENTION TO "PHYSICAL STRUGGLE" REMARKS

Addressing Özgür Özel's words, "Are you ready to put our lives on the line, for a physical struggle?" used during the holiday celebration program at the Ankara Provincial Presidency, Bahçeli said it was noteworthy that this statement was made on the anniversary of the Gezi Park protests.

Bahçeli stated that the meaning of the phrase "physical struggle" must be explained, arguing that such rhetoric carries the risk of triggering social unrest.

"A SEARCH FOR A NEW ALLIANCE IS APPARENT"

Stating that the continuation of the image of two different structures within the CHP could lead to serious political consequences, Bahçeli evaluated the approach of some small parties and marginal groups to the process as an effort to form a new alliance.

Citing the IYI Party Chairman's announcement that he would not engage with Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu and the fact that some parties met with Özgür Özel's side during the CHP's holiday greeting program, Bahçeli stated that this could lead to political consequences.

BROUGHT UP THE NEW PARTY SCENARIO

Bahçeli said that rumors are also being discussed regarding the potential establishment of a new party within the CHP under the leadership of Özgür Özel.

In this context, stating that the steps to be taken by Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu are being awaited, Bahçeli made assessments suggesting that Ekrem İmamoğlu and Özgür Özel could shape a possible new party scenario within a specific plan.

"PR EFFORTS MAY BE PART OF THE PLAN"

Bahçeli alleged that certain images and news reports appearing in media outlets close to the CHP are being presented to the public within the framework of a specific political narrative.

He stated that Özgür Özel's outbursts regarding the nullity decision, his street rallies, and various actions could be evaluated as part of a public relations effort aimed at strengthening the perception of a "struggle to take back the CHP" and a "resisting leader."