Bahçeli's 'Coordinator' move shakes politics: Message to MHP corridors to 'end the nullity, start the process'

The political agenda has been stirred up once again by the statements made by Devlet Bahçeli at the TBMM group meeting. While Bahçeli voiced his proposal for a "Peace Process and Politicization Coordinatorship" for PKK terrorist organization leader Abdullah Öcalan, he also touched upon the "absolute nullity" debates regarding the CHP.

"ABSOLUTE NULLITY" DEBATE AND THE CHP MESSAGE

Following his group speech, Bahçeli evaluated the possibility of "absolute nullity" for the CHP, stating, "The CHP is one of the most important political institutions that has existed since the day the Republic was founded. The internal affairs of this institution should not be interfered with, nor should it be allowed to be fragmented or legally damaged."

Özgür Özel responded to Bahçeli's statements, saying he found the remarks "valuable and important." Özel stated, "For a year, we have been defending not just the CHP, but democracy itself."

"NULLITY HAS DRAGGED ON TOO LONG" VIEW IN MHP CORRIDORS

According to a report by Gülsen Solaker from DW Turkish, information from MHP corridors suggests that the prevailing view within the party is that the "absolute nullity" process has dragged on longer than necessary and is occupying the agenda. MHP officials state that the necessary evidence in the case has been collected and that a decision should now be reached.

The same sources point out that the prolongation of the process could lead to a public perception that "politics is directing the judiciary." It is noted that Bahçeli's messages also signal that Turkey's fundamental issues should not be confused with daily political debates.

EMPHASIS ON "STRONG OPPOSITION"

Another view expressed within MHP corridors concerns the importance of a strong main opposition. Party sources state that the Republican People's Party (CHP) drifting into an uncontrolled structure could pose risks for both the government and the country.

While MHP officials argue that an opposition structure where the balance is lost could be dangerous for the country, they also point out that the debates surrounding the CHP's 38th Ordinary Congress have been ongoing for a long time.

It was noted that in the latest hearing of the criminal case regarding the CHP's 38th Ordinary Congress, the prosecutor requested that Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (İBB) confessor Adem Soytekin be heard as a witness, and the court accepted this request and adjourned the hearing.

While it was stated that this case is separate from the "absolute nullity" case currently in the appellate stage, it was reported that assessments are being made that the verdict to be reached in the file where defendants, including Ekrem İmamoğlu, are being tried could affect the nullity process.

"THE ISSUE IS KEPT ON THE AGENDA WITHIN THE CHP"

According to MHP sources, one of the reasons the "absolute nullity" debate remains on the agenda is certain factions within the CHP. Party officials state that this issue is kept alive not only by the government but also by actors within the CHP.

MHP Deputy Chairman Feti Yıldız also used the phrase "Kılıçdaroğlu and his team could become legally authorized" in a post on his social media account regarding the "absolute nullity" case.

MHP'S FOCUS: THE "TERROR-FREE TURKEY" PROCESS

Another prominent topic in MHP corridors is the "Terror-Free Turkey" process. Party sources state that both the government and the opposition should focus on this process.

According to the MHP, it is stated that steps taken before entering the election cycle would be more meaningful and that this process should not be tied to election calculations. It is noted that evaluating the process based on political gains is incorrect and that the consequences of any given step cannot be clearly predicted.

THE PKK'S DISARMAMENT PROCESS

While it is reported that the government wing assesses that the terrorist organization PKK has not taken full steps toward disarmament, it is also stated that this situation is viewed as a critical threshold in Turkish Grand National Assembly (TBMM) reports.

Some MHP officials, while acknowledging that the desired level has not been reached in the PKK's disarmament process, express that achieving this process in a "full and complete" manner may be difficult due to regional conditions.

In this context, assessments are shared that a more principled approach should be taken toward the process, noting that the organization has taken some steps and shown a will to weaken its activities. MHP sources state that expecting steps only from the other side is not in line with the nature of the process.

"COORDINATION WITHIN THE STATE IS ESSENTIAL"

According to the MHP, strong coordination must be established between state institutions for the process to progress healthily. Party officials state that all institutions must act in the same direction and toward the same goal in line with the determination shown by the state.

In his parliamentary group speech, Bahçeli emphasized that the People's Alliance is not merely an election-focused partnership, stating, "The cabinet, bureaucracy, and alliance elements must all aim for the same target in Turkey's fight against terrorism."