Wave of change grows in MHP: 59 provinces next in line

Following the departure of İzzet Ulvi Yönter from his post as deputy chairman, a process of personnel change based on differences of opinion has gained momentum within the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP). This activity, which initially began with organizations close to Yönter, has turned into a large-scale renewal plan following the party leadership's announcement of congress dates.

According to a report by Cumhuriyet, the MHP Headquarters, which started the process with the dismissal of the Istanbul Provincial Presidency on April 6, 2026, has so far dissolved 22 provincial organizations and appointed new names to these positions. Kütahya, Eskişehir, Kars, Çanakkale, Bilecik, Muğla, Bolu, Ardahan, Bingöl, Gaziantep, Malatya, Isparta, Şanlıurfa, Konya, Kilis, Kırıkkale, Zonguldak, Kocaeli, Manisa, Adana, and Adıyaman were also among the provinces affected by this change.

In the past two months, the party leadership has renewed the provincial chairmen and most of the staff in these provinces, which make up approximately one-quarter of the MHP. According to comments made in party circles, it is being suggested that all organizations across Turkey could be subjected to the same treatment until the planned congress process is completed.

THE SCOPE OF THE CHANGE HAS EXPANDED

It is observed that these purge steps, which were initially thought to cover only certain names, have been expanded to include the entire organizational structure following the announcement of the congress calendar. According to the statement from the party, it is aimed that the organizations of 59 more provinces will be dissolved along with district congresses in the coming period, and that the MHP will head to the grand congress with a completely renewed staff and structure. It has been announced to the public that the 15th Ordinary Grand Congress will be held on March 7, 2027.

WILL TEMPORARY APPOINTMENTS CONTINUE?

It is stated that the status of the new provincial chairmen appointed by the leadership will also become clear in the coming period. According to information reflected in the corridors, some of the appointments made by the headquarters may be changed by the preferences of new delegates at provincial congresses. For this reason, it is pointed out that the current restructuring involves not only dismissals but also the reconfiguration of the organization in political and administrative terms. It is stated that the party leadership aims to create an organization that is more compatible with the center and rejuvenated by the time of the congress.

Another scenario that stands out in the corridors is that the change will not be limited to the organizations. Some assessments made within the party indicate that management changes may also occur at the headquarters after the renewal in the provincial and district organizations is completed. In this context, there are comments that some high-level names may lose their seats.

As a result, the restructuring process initiated in the MHP is expected to be implemented in all organizations across the country in a short time, and the general structure of the party is expected to change significantly.