Bülent Arınç addresses Davutoğlu, who is retiring from politics: 'You should have remained loyal to our leader...'

Former Parliament Speaker Bülent Arınç published a message on his social media account addressed to Ahmet Davutoğlu, who announced that he would dissolve the Future Party and withdraw from party politics. Arınç stated that he found Davutoğlu's decision "appropriate" and wished him success in his future endeavors.

Stating that he found the topics in Davutoğlu's statement "very important," Arınç also referred to the periods when they served together.

Recalling that he attended the Organization of Islamic Cooperation Summit held in Mecca in 2005 together with Abdullah Gül and Davutoğlu, Arınç noted that they served in the same cabinet in 2009. Arınç stated that they worked together during Davutoğlu's terms as Minister of Foreign Affairs, AKP Chairman, and Prime Minister, and described him as a "thinker, knowledgeable, analytical, solution-oriented, and patriotic" individual.

Future Party Chairman Prof. Dr. Ahmet Davutoğlu has announced that he is withdrawing from the political scene and that his party will be dissolved.

Mr. Davutoğlu stated that he will continue his work in the fields of thought, education, science, culture, diplomacy, and other social areas from now on. Mr…

— Bülent Arınç (@bulent_arinc) August 2, 2026

The most striking part of Arınç's message was his assessment regarding Davutoğlu's departure from the AKP to form an opposition party. Arınç used the following expressions: "I had ethically opposed Mr. Davutoğlu forming a party in opposition to the AK Party. The AK Party is our home. We founded it together and performed excellent services."

Addressing Davutoğlu, Arınç said, "You should have remained in the AK Party while staying loyal to our leader; you should have used our rights to criticism and suggestions under this roof to the fullest." Arguing that the process was an important experience both for political history and for Davutoğlu, Arınç made the assessment: "There are two 'Hocas' (mentors) in our line. After our late Erbakan Hoca, you are mentioned as the second."

The full text of Arınç's statement is as follows:

"Future Party Chairman Prof. Dr. Ahmet Davutoğlu has announced that he is withdrawing from the political scene and that his party will be dissolved. Mr. Davutoğlu stated that he will continue his work in the fields of thought, education, science, culture, diplomacy, and other social areas from now on. I personally find this decision of Mr. Davutoğlu appropriate and wish him the best. I must state that I find the topics in his comprehensive statement very important.

"I WAS HONORED TO KNOW AND WORK WITH YOU"

In 2005, we attended the Organization of Islamic Cooperation Summit held in Mecca together with Mr. Abdullah Gül and himself. Mr. Davutoğlu was the Chief Advisor to the Prime Minister, Mr. Gül was the Minister of Foreign Affairs, and I was the Speaker of the Grand National Assembly of Turkey. We entered the cabinet together in May 2009. Prime Minister Mr. Erdoğan had appointed me as Deputy Prime Minister and Government Spokesperson, and Davutoğlu as Minister of Foreign Affairs. We worked together for nearly six years. With Mr. Erdoğan's election as President in August 2014, Mr. Davutoğlu became the AK Party Chairman and Prime Minister; I served in his cabinet as Deputy Prime Minister and Government Spokesperson, and we worked together for a year and a half. During this time, I was honored to know him closely and work with him. He was a thinker, knowledgeable, analytical, solution-oriented, patriotic, moral, and a respected name in the outside world with his knowledge. I know closely how he solved the most complex problems during the periods we were together.

"THE AK PARTY IS OUR HOME, YOU SHOULD HAVE REMAINED LOYAL TO OUR LEADER"

I thank him for the successful services he has rendered to our country and our nation. A thank you also goes to his precious wife, Sare Hanımefendi. The beautiful expressions he wrote about his life partner of 42 years are the greatest badges of honor that can be said behind a politician. I, along with my wife, thank Sare Hanımefendi, whom we know as a humble wife, mother, and a physician who rushes to every birth. I had ethically opposed Mr. Davutoğlu forming a party in opposition to the AK Party. The AK Party is our home. We founded it together and performed excellent services. You should have remained in the AK Party while staying loyal to our leader; you should have used our rights to criticism and suggestions under this roof to the fullest.

"YOU ARE OUR SECOND HOCA"

I believe this process is an important experience for our political history and for you. There are two 'Hocas' in our line. After our late Erbakan Hoca, you are mentioned as the second. How happy for you. I thank you for the beautiful services you have rendered to our country and our nation, and I wish you health and happiness with your wife and family."