3 MHP MPs resign from parliamentary group over 'gold smuggling' allegations, remain party members

According to sources close to the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP), three of the party's MPs have resigned from their parliamentary group membership following allegations of "gold smuggling." However, confusion remains regarding their status within the party.

According to a column by Sözcü writer Saygı Öztürk, the MHP Headquarters requested the resignations of parliamentary group members Hasan Basri Sönmez (Isparta), Mustafa Demir (Kilis), and İsmail Akgül (Bolu). This request came on November 20, 2024. The MPs were called by the private office around noon and asked to resign. No reason was provided.

The MPs were called again in the evening and invited to the Grand National Assembly of Turkey (TBMM). Shortly after a social media post by Deputy Group Chairman Semih Yalçın, their resignation petitions were received at 19:29.

The allegation suggests that some MHP MPs brought smuggled gold from Dubai. It is claimed that a security officer on a presidential plane trip shared this information, which was subsequently reflected in the press.

However, it is notable that none of the three have officially confirmed these allegations in public. On the contrary, in statements they made shortly after, they emphasized their loyalty to both their leader and the party.

According to MHP sources, these MPs resigned from the parliamentary group rather than being expelled from the party. Their party memberships continue.

They are currently not attending MHP parliamentary group meetings, but they have not been removed from the WhatsApp group either. They continue to follow the party line in their voting in Parliament. 

This development highlights an approach within the MHP that resembles military-style discipline in internal organization and management. The fact that the MPs, who were forced to resign due to internal group discipline, have retained their party memberships reveals how influential the group structure is in the party's critical decisions. The truth behind the allegations and the legal process have not yet been clarified. 

News Source: 12punto