Bahçeli’s move sparks widespread reaction in AKP: Erdoğan warns, 'Be careful'

Following the meetings held by AKP Chairman and President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan with IYI Party Founding Chair Meral Akşener, CHP leader Özgür Özel, and Ayşe Ateş, the wife of former Ülkü Ocakları President Sinan Ateş who was assassinated in Ankara, notable statements came from MHP Chairman Devlet Bahçeli.

Bahçeli’s move, phrased as “If an AK Party-CHP [alliance] is desired, we will not stand in the way,” has dominated the agenda.

While it is being commented in political circles that the “normalization steps” might create “concern in Bahçeli regarding a potential shift in axis in Turkey,” it is suggested that the MHP leader’s move stems from this concern. 

ERDOĞAN'S WARNING TO HIS PARTY: 'BE CAREFUL...'

Bahçeli’s statements also found significant coverage within the AKP.

According to a report by the Türkiye newspaper, known for its proximity to the government, AKP sources stated, “This statement was made after consultation with the President. The People’s Alliance is not an ordinary cooperation. We do not forget the conditions under which we came together. Both we and the President value Mr. Bahçeli and the MHP highly. In every meeting, the President warns us, saying, ‘Be careful, do not engage in any words or behavior that would harm the People’s Alliance.’ He specifically mentioned that they had a very good meeting during their last discussion and that there is no problem between them.”

ERDOĞAN TO MEET WITH BAHÇELİ

On the other hand, it was learned that the President evaluated the situation with some of his aides on the plane during his trip to Spain and that he will meet with Bahçeli after returning from his trip abroad.