Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) Chairman Devlet Bahçeli spoke at his party's parliamentary group meeting.
Bahçeli stated, "If our President deems it appropriate and the Turkish Grand National Assembly expresses its constitutional will in this direction, it is our desire and demand that Mr. Recep Tayyip Erdoğan be the Presidential candidate of the People's Alliance once again."
Key highlights from Bahçeli's remarks are as follows:
I am pleased to be with you once again under this sacred roof on the occasion of our Turkish Grand National Assembly group meeting. I pray to God that you have a legislative year full of success.
I wish for the new term, in which important domestic and foreign developments will take place, to be auspicious for our country, our nation, our political and democratic life, as well as for the political party groups and our esteemed deputies. I commemorate with mercy the deputies who served in the Veteran Assembly and have passed into eternity, especially the first Speaker of the Turkish Grand National Assembly and the founder of our Republic, Gazi Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, and I wish those who are alive a healthy and long life.
Our Veteran Assembly, the institutional address of the legislative body, is undoubtedly the place where the representation mechanism of our nation's demands and interests, beliefs and values, historical memory and future expectations takes shape; where it turns into a state orchestra with the harmony of different voices in our country; and it is the manifestation of common sense and national will, the heart of the Turkish state. Even if centuries pass, institutions transform, and methods change, the consultation and deliberation culture of the Turkish state tradition remains at the fixed point of the compass, and this culture constitutes the main backbone of Turkish tradition. As Kaşgarlı Mahmud stated in the Dîvânu Lugâti’t-Türk, "A wide garment does not wear out, wisdom gained through consultation does not spoil." Decisions made with common sense as a result of consultation and deliberation are the loud voice of public conscience, the strong foundation of social solidarity, and the unshakable will of the sense of national unity and togetherness. Consultation and deliberation, which are the national reasoning and accounting mechanisms that compensate for mistakes and complete deficiencies, are also the consciousness of national belonging and membership that fills social fault lines, prevents social tensions, and strengthens the will to live together.
The deputies who rushed to Ankara after overcoming various dangers with the occupation of Istanbul kept the cause of Independence alive in the Grand National Assembly under the leadership of Gazi Mustafa Kemal Pasha and threw the call of Sèvres into the trash heap of history. It should not be forgotten that the main headquarters of the War of Independence is the Grand National Assembly. The center of the epic of democracy written during the treacherous coup attempt of July 15 is also the Turkish Grand National Assembly. The Turkish nation has had a rare and exceptional place in world political history by waging its National Struggle under the roof of the Assembly. For this reason, for the Turkish nation, the Assembly is the ability to manage and direct extraordinary periods as well as ordinary periods, the capacity to be ready for war as well as peace, and the will to fight against those who set their eyes on its homeland, land, independence, and sovereignty.
"THE NATION'S LOYALTY TO DEMOCRACY HAS STRENGTHENED"
Esteemed deputies, undoubtedly, Turkey's journey of democracy has not taken place on sunny and smooth roads. With the Republican era, Turkish democracy was tested by military coups, and each military coup created wounded memory stops in Turkish democracy. In Turkish politics, coups caused the weakening of state institutionalism, the waste of opportunities and possibilities, and the narrowing of the state's high political memory, but the Turkish nation's loyalty to democracy did not diminish; on the contrary, it became even stronger. During the period when the parliamentary system was applied, unstable governments, coalition fights, political polarization, and disagreements prevented fast and effective decisions from being taken, and encouraged and triggered many distortions in the life of the nation and the state. I would like to remind you that between July 21, 1946, when the multi-party life began, and July 9, 2018, when the Presidential Government System began to be applied legally and de facto, 51 Republican Governments were formed; short-lived governments with an average lifespan of 1 year and 5 months, coalition bargains, and the instability caused by uncertainty caused Turkey to lag behind in global competition.
"THE FIXED POINT OF OUR COMPASS IS ANKARA"
In this context, the duty of the political institution is to be the address for solving problems and the guarantor of strong institutionalism. Regardless of where they are positioned on the political spectrum, political parties exist to expand the field of politics and strengthen the ground of societal commonalities with their programs and ideological orientations. While competing with each other in serving the Turkish nation, they must also be in communication and consensus for the maturation of democratic culture and the continuity of the state's high policies. Knowing these means knowing the history, spirit, and cause of the Turkish Grand National Assembly, and grasping the nature of legislative responsibility. Getting rid of populist desires, avoiding narrow and unproductive political debates, striving for the supreme interests, peace, and prosperity of the Turkish nation is to strive for the survival and progress of the Turkish state. Knowing this means not falling into the pit of "Let the Bulgarians take Edirne rather than Enver" just to be against the government in the national politics of the Turkish state while competing in politics on the path of serving the Turkish nation. On this occasion, I would like to remind political parties and the esteemed deputies representing the Turkish nation of the following points on the occasion of the new legislative year;
Even if our ideological coordinates are different, our political center is Turkey. No matter how wide our field of political competition is, the fixed point of our compass is Ankara. Even if we separate as a method in politics, our direction is Turkish independence and sovereignty. Even if we look at politics from different windows, our future horizon is the prosperous society power of Turkey. With these reminders, I wish our political parties to be in competition in service, unity in the future and independence, and effort in the future in the new legislative year.
My dear fellow travelers, esteemed guests, at the beginning of the Turkish and Turkey Century, where the Turkish nation will leave its mark on 100 years, in a period when we have entered the second quarter of the 21st century, our district and provincial congresses were completed as of October 4, 2026, in our 15th Ordinary Congress process, which we started on May 7, 2026, with the theme "Brotherhood in our hearts, the future in our minds." Each of our congresses, where faith and trust were refreshed, unity and solidarity were strengthened, and the excitement, desire, and determination to grow our party turned into enthusiasm, passed in a festive atmosphere; in our congresses where there were no losers, the nationalist will was manifested, and our cadres who will realize our goal of a leader country Turkey were elected. Our grand congress, which is our congress process, will also be completed. Our party will continue to walk towards its sacred ideals with the same ideal, unchanging will, and unshakable faith. On this occasion, I offer my most heartfelt gratitude to our Presidential Council members, Central Executive Board and Central Disciplinary Board members, deputies, provincial and district organization presidents and managers, and all their soldiers who took part in our district and provincial congresses, and I wish our newly elected organization members great success.
"WE WILL CARRY THE THREE CRESCENTS TO THE PEAK"
Esteemed deputies, the coming period constitutes the expiration of the problems that are obstacles to development and rise, and the beginning of a sacred stage and a high rank in politics and state life in Turkey. At the forefront of these are the new legislative year activities where developments regarding the Terror-Free Turkey goals and policies will intensify, and the upcoming parliamentary and Presidential elections and local administration elections. As a party, I have full confidence that we will be the ink of wisdom and the pen of truth for the pages of peace and prosperity that will open before Turkey with our program, policy, project, and cadres in this period. By further strengthening the sincere and deep-rooted bond we have established with our nation, we will carry the three crescents to the peak in every field.
Our struggle is the march of those who are in the struggle to protect every inch of our homeland, every member of our nation, every particle of our national existence, and our future. Our path is the path of the soldiers of the ideal who extinguish the fires of sedition in their bosoms, drown provocations with reason and faith, and do not bow to treason. Each of our fellow idealists is a symbol of the will, foresight, and courage that loads the sacred cause of our nation onto their shoulders, hears the ancient voice of history with their heart, and looks at the truth of the geography with Turkish eyes. With this consciousness and understanding, we neither deviated from our line nor broke our stance. With Turkish pride and consciousness, and Islamic morality and virtue, we never compromised on our principles and ideals, our love for homeland and nation, in years that were worth a century each. We saw politics not as an element of a narrow power struggle, conflict, or strife, but as a tool for establishing social consensus and peace. The nationalist movement, which considers it a duty to save the great Turkish nation from every bottleneck it falls into, is the meeting place of those who have dedicated themselves to the nation.
"A HISTORIC OPPORTUNITY IS BEFORE US"
Our main goal is to completely purify the region where Turkey is located from the security threats produced by terrorism and to guarantee the political, economic, and social welfare of future generations. A historic opportunity is before us to permanently get rid of the terror scourge that has been plagued upon our nation for over 40 years. We are on a ground where justice, politics, democracy, national unity, and integration will prevail instead of terror and weapons, where brotherhood and solidarity will take root, and where we will draw the roadmap of our future together. Our nation's decision is clear. That is to uproot terror from these lands so that it never sprouts again and to strengthen national unity and integration. With the new legislative year, Turkey will meet the expectations of our nation with studies aimed at strengthening the legal and political basis of the Terror-Free Turkey goal on one hand, and developing democratic standards, increasing the institutional capacity of the rule of law, making social integration permanent, and improving socioeconomic conditions on the other.
The work of the commissions established within the framework of Law No. 7595, the creation of the conditions under which the law will enter into force, their follow-up and determination, as well as the making of new legal regulations that will be needed, will be one of the most vital issues before us. Besides this, solving the accumulated structural problems so that Turkey can reach its development goal also requires taking radical reform steps along with current issues. For this reason, the upcoming Assembly period needs to be a structural reform period that will shape Turkey's medium and long-term future beyond narrow political debates.
"EVERY ALLEGATION REGARDING THE IMPROPER USE OF PUBLIC RESOURCES MUST BE INVESTIGATED TRANSPARENTLY"
On the other hand, as I emphasized in my detailed statement on October 3, 2026, Turkey should not be faced with discussions of social erosion of trust and decay in the face of developments such as corruption, irregularity, and favoritism. These should be evaluated as an opportunity for purification, acquittal, and addressing the underlying causes. Regardless of which political view, which office, or which structure it comes from, every allegation regarding the improper use of public resources must be investigated independently, impartially, and transparently, and the proceedings must be carried out in accordance with the principle of the rule of law. The legitimacy of democratic politics is fed by accountability and trust in public institutions. The prerequisite for sustainable development is also strong institutions and a predictable legal order. For this reason, the effort to realize development goals with democratic steps to be taken in the new legislative year and the initiatives to prevent corruption and decay should not be thought of separately and must be implemented in coordination.
"IF THE POLITICAL CENTER OF THE UNITED NATIONS IS NEW YORK, THE CENTER OF JUSTICE IS ANKARA"
My esteemed fellow travelers, distinguished guests, the century we are in contains a period in which the world and humanity are being dragged into disaster by the rule-breaking policies of actors whose consciences have withered and whose eyes are blinded by ambition. It is sad that the mechanisms that will teach rules to these rule-breakers, who have not received a shred of share from humanity, are also playing the three monkeys. The United Nations cannot intervene in the name of universal human rights norms and global justice against the genocides experienced by humanity and the resource wars that have turned into power struggles of imperialist powers. This institution, where nations are represented at the highest level, unfortunately lacks a decision-making mechanism capable of resisting the tyranny the world is in. As our President puts it, "The world is bigger than five," and the world cannot be condemned to the political egos and interests of these five states. Turkey is the sanctuary of oppressed nations, which has served humanity throughout history and established the scales of justice in proportion to the supreme interests of humanity. It is a port of peace that brings peace and prosperity to the places it goes with the cause of Nizam-ı Âlem (Order of the World). For this reason, we say that if the political center of the United Nations is New York, the center of justice is Ankara. In this direction, Turkey will be able to lead countries with a sense of responsibility with a reform understanding based on human values, law, and justice within the United Nations.
The address of Israel's blood-stained Prime Minister Netanyahu to the General Assembly at the 81st United Nations General Assembly was a document of shame in human history. Unfortunately, the whole world watched a theater in which the genocider, who has the blood of thousands of innocents on his hands, was skilled at giving lessons on humanity and morality.
I say that just as it is realistic for Hitler to describe himself as a human rights defender, Mussolini as an apostle of freedom, and Stalin as a democrat, it is just as realistic for Netanyahu to say "We have the most moral army in the world" and to describe our President Erdoğan as a tyrant.
Netanyahu's delusions at the United Nations General Assembly are, in essence, a reflection in the mirror of the West's double-standard and insincere policies, its bankrupt human values, and its imperialism. As we have pointed out and warned many times, it is essential for Islamic countries to determine their attitudes and stances against Israel and to reveal them clearly. Referring to the late Cahit Zarifoğlu's lines, "Palestine is an exam paper, in front of every believing servant," it is inevitable for Islamic countries to exhibit a common stance and will beyond condemnation. Because Israel is a threat to the peoples of the region and all nations in the world. For the prevention of Israeli aggression, expansionism, and lawlessness, and for the safety of the region, it is inevitable to establish a deterrent Islamic peace force by expanding the framework of the Jerusalem Alliance we proposed or the Mecca Agreement signed between Turkey, Pakistan, and Saudi Arabia.
In a period where global politics and the international security order are experiencing a significant transformation and conflicts that could lead to political risks becoming permanent are continuing, it is also clear that Turkey is needed more than ever as a country whose word is trusted with its stance based on law, peace, and justice. Esteemed deputies, distinguished guests, Turkey must advance its security with democracy, its development with law, its social peace with justice, and its regional effectiveness with strong state capacity together. In the period we are in, there is no room for loss of energy and time with political patronage, ideological obsessions, and agenda shifts.
"RAIN STRATEGY" OUTBURST
To the extent that we can achieve this, Turkey will not only place its own future on a more solid ground but will also stand out as a more effective and constructive actor in solving the crises around it and reshaping the regional order. The Nationalist Movement Party is determined to build a strong Turkey today that draws its strength from the ideal of national unity, social justice, and common prosperity. In this direction, it has developed the Rain Strategy in order to establish a permanent order of prosperity by overcoming the structural problems of our country in a critical period when crises and power wars are experienced on a global scale.
Rain, in all belief systems, traditional and cultural teachings, symbolizes purification, cleansing, refreshing, and renewal, representing abundance and prosperity, and has become symbolized by the mercy of the Most Merciful. Mercy is the herald of abundance, prosperity, cleansing, and renewal in the apparent, and peace, welfare, happiness, purification from the self, cleansing from the dirt of the heart, and reaching salvation from the crisis of thought in the inner. The mercy of rain finds a meaning that has been established for centuries in Turkish social memory and our cultural history.
The wars and conflicts scorching the Islamic world, crimes against humanity, the cries of the oppressed rising to the sky, massacres carried out by imperialist powers without regard for women, children, or the elderly, the drying up of the climate of peace, tranquility, and stability, ethnic divisions, sectarian separations, fragmented geographies, load the mission and responsibility of purifying, cleansing, refreshing, and being reborn, and resurrecting with abundance and prosperity in the world and our region onto our shoulders.
As the Nationalist Movement Party, we see the implementation of the Rain Strategy as a requirement of our distinguished position in Turkish politics for the sacred call of history, the responsibility of geography, the reconstruction of the political institution, the revival of social life, and the increase of state capacity. The Rain Strategy is based on the institutionalism of the Presidential Government System, which is based on the harmony of the three main powers consisting of the legislative, executive, and judiciary, and the maintenance of stability, with the inspiration we take from our party's three crescents. It envisions that these constitutional powers that make up the state work independently and in harmony on the basis of the separation of powers, and that abundance and prosperity rain down on our nation by mobilizing national resources, possibilities, and capabilities.
However, the transformation of rain into a flood with destructive effects must also be prevented. An effective system of checks and balances must be applied so that no damage is caused in security, economy, and democracy. Within this framework, a strong Nationalist Movement Party institutionalism must be established in the legislature. In addition, it should be essential that the people living in our region and our geographies of heart and culture also benefit from the abundance of the rain that falls in our country and refreshes our nation.
The basic ideal of the Rain Strategy is the preservation of stability. The success of the Rain Strategy depends on protecting the gains of the Presidential Government System and the stability it provides, the continuation of the determination to carry Turkey, which is embodied in the People's Alliance, forward in the direction of national goals with the same faith and will, and our country evaluating the opportunities and possibilities for new breakthroughs with the wind it has taken behind it.
"ERDOĞAN MUST BE A CANDIDATE FOR THE THIRD TIME"
Furthermore, it will be possible for the rise momentum that Turkey has caught not to be interrupted, for President Mr. Recep Tayyip Erdoğan to be a candidate once again and to be elected President for the third time. Because the third term is pregnant with many important developments in our country, our region, and the world, and primarily there is a need for the wisdom and experience to manage this difficult process.
That experience is in Mr. Erdoğan within the institutionalism of the Presidential Government System and the People's Alliance. In the critical process the world is in, in the environment full of uncertainties occurring in our region, in a period when historic steps are being taken on the path of a Terror-Free Turkey and a terror-free region, Turkey does not need to change direction and give up its goals, but to maintain all its existing possibilities and resources systematically and institutionally. Considering the responsibility our President has undertaken so far, the leadership he has displayed, and the strategic capacity he has brought to Turkey, it will be for the good of Turkey and our region for him to undertake the Presidential duty for one more term. For this reason, if our President deems it appropriate and the Turkish Grand National Assembly expresses its constitutional will in this direction, it is our desire and demand that Mr. Recep Tayyip Erdoğan be the Presidential candidate of the People's Alliance once again.
In line with these provisions, our thought as the Nationalist Movement Party is this. In order for President Mr. Recep Tayyip Erdoğan to be a candidate again, a decision to renew the elections must be taken in the Turkish Grand National Assembly at an appropriate time and with maximum consensus. Holding the elections to be renewed within the framework of the decision to be taken by the Assembly again within the year 2028 will have been operated in accordance with the spirit of the system in a way that will not damage stability and predictability. With the manifestation of a will in this direction, unnecessary debates will end, uncertainties will disappear, economic confidence will increase, and our country will be able to continue on its way at full speed with the historic steps it has taken. The calculations of those who invest in the instability, potential uncertainty, chaos, and turmoil that Turkey's adversaries expect and hope for will have been in vain. It should also be underlined here that our issue is not the political career of individuals, but the continuity of the state, the stability of politics, and ultimately the construction and revival of Turkey as a leader country. Our party evaluates 2028 not only as an election date but as the beginning of a period in which great reforms will be implemented for Turkey. In this framework, attempts to divert the target should end, the candidacy should be clarified, and it should be able to face the realities of the world under ruthless competition conditions.
News Source: 12punto
