Bahçeli's statement on the framework law: I didn't expect 467 votes either

MHP Chairman Devlet Bahçeli made notable assessments regarding the "framework law" passed by Parliament and the Presidential Government System. Regarding the regulation accepted in the Grand National Assembly of Turkey (TBMM) with 467 votes, Bahçeli stated, "To be honest, I didn't expect the figure of 467 either."

Responding to questions from Habertürk Ankara Representative Nasuhi Güngör, Bahçeli said that they have not encountered "any very serious trouble or difficulty" so far in the process known as the İmralı process. Stating that Turkey has made significant progress in the fight against terrorism, Bahçeli noted that they are working on what can be done against the provocations and tensions caused by separatist activities across the country.

Bahçeli also touched upon his handshake with DEM Party members in Parliament on October 1, 2024, which is considered one of the starting points of the process. Describing this step as a requirement of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan's call to Parliament and as a "humanitarian duty," Bahçeli reminded that the process has been discussed intensely since that date.

The MHP leader stated that contacts accelerated after the demand for the PKK to dissolve itself and call for laying down arms was directed at the DEM Party group, saying, "Delegations went to İmralı. There were various contacts. There were those who came to us. These conversations, which started in those days, brought the process to a productive point."

Evaluating the passage of the framework law through Parliament with broad support, Bahçeli said that the consensus reached in the commission and the exchange of ideas carried out in the public eye were effective in the adoption of the regulation. Bahçeli expressed that the 467 votes contributed to "the expansion of social consensus and the strengthening of solidarity."

MESSAGE ON NEW CONSTITUTION AND SYSTEM

Bahçeli reiterated his previous message regarding changes to the election and political parties laws. Arguing that the Presidential Government System meets Turkey's need for political stability, Bahçeli stated that, nevertheless, some aspects regarding the implementation of the system should be reviewed after the past two terms.

Emphasizing the need for a new constitution for the system to function healthily, the MHP leader said that the changes should be negotiated with the participation of not only the political institution but also civil society, academics, intellectuals, and relevant segments. Bahçeli stated that steps toward strengthening the system and resolving its shortcomings should be handled in harmony with the new constitution efforts.