Open support from Devlet Bahçeli to Kılıçdaroğlu

In an interview with the Türkgün newspaper, MHP Chairman Devlet Bahçeli, who made assessments regarding corruption allegations and internal party disputes within the Republican People's Party (CHP), stated that the "purification" call made by former CHP Chairman Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu was correct. Bahçeli remarked, "They have ruined the party of the beloved Atatürk."

Responding to a question about the processes in the CHP that have been carried to the judiciary and internal party disputes, Bahçeli conveyed his party's approach to the issue with the following words:

"Unfortunately, the CHP stands on the wrong side of history. The fact that the CHP has ended up at the doors of the courthouse is primarily a legal matter. Despite this, it is my wish that this party achieves internal balance and order. However, things have gone awry in the CHP. The call for purification from corruption made against the CHP administration is a correct call. Those who sent Mr. Kılıçdaroğlu off yesterday with tears and cheers are now showing him the door."

DEFINED THE CHP THROUGH THREE CENTERS

Evaluating what is happening in the CHP through three centers, Bahçeli used the following expressions:

"It is seen that the CHP is floundering in an area of three S's: Söğütözü, Saraçhane, and Silivri. Bribery, corruption, and malfeasance cases have ruined the party of the beloved Atatürk. It is not a correct or principled stance for the CHP administration to blame everyone they come across. If they want to see something else in the mirror, the most logical choice is to change the image in front of the mirror, not the mirror itself."

"THE MOST GRAVE CORRUPTION OF THE CENTURY MUST BE ILLUMINATED"

Drawing attention to the effect of the instability in the CHP on Turkish politics, Bahçeli made the following assessments:

"The instability of the CHP and its deep break from its historical line will negatively affect Turkish political and democratic life. The internal turmoil in this party is their own business. However, there is a terrible bribery and corruption accusation that the CHP must inevitably face. The content of the prepared indictment is truly very serious. Self-confidence is required to face it, and political morality and wisdom are required to accept the facts. It is essential that the most grave corruption of the century be illuminated and that justice be served. We also have full confidence in the Turkish judiciary."

Regarding the attitude of CHP Chairman Özgür Özel, Bahçeli used the following words:

"It is not right for Mr. Özgür Özel to deal with our prosecutors and judges and to smear every grave allegation by politicizing it. The situation the CHP is in is regrettable and heartbreaking in terms of Turkish politics, as well as the tradition and future of this party."

Responding to the question, "Where did the CHP go wrong in your opinion?", Bahçeli stated that the addressee of the question is the CHP administration. Stating that he congratulated Özgür Özel on his election as Chairman, Bahçeli used the following expressions:

"I congratulate Mr. Özgür Özel, who was elected Chairman at the last Grand Assembly, and I wish him success in his future political struggle with the hope that he will act with common sense and caution. I conveyed this wish to him personally by calling him. He must respect the binding nature and the decision of the law."

"IMRALI" REACTION TO CHP: "THEY PLAYED A DOUBLE GAME"

Regarding the CHP's assembly rhetoric and approach to the İmralı process, Bahçeli said, "At their 39th Grand Assembly, they say they are the guardians of the Republic and the soldiers of Atatürk. What did they leave behind from Atatürk? When did they ever respect the public, which is the sole power of the Republic? They were even afraid to go to İmralı; they ran away. They expressed their objections not to the essence but to the procedure with timid and insipid words. They played a double game in solving Turkey's most important problem. I hope they gain the foresight to see the truth and do not step out of the ring."