23.04.2025 22:00
The softening process initiated by the MHP and the DEM Party, starting with the "Terror-Free Turkey" initiative, is continuing at full speed. Most recently, at the April 23 reception, representatives from both parties came together. At the reception, which the DEM Party attended for the first time in 11 years, members of the MHP were seen shaking hands and having brief conversations.
The Grand National Assembly of Turkey hosted the events of April 23 National Sovereignty and Children's Day. After the special session held in the General Assembly, party members gathered at the April 23 reception.
THE SOFTENING CLIMATE CONTINUES: ATTENDED THE RECEPTION AFTER 11 YEARS
Following the Terror-Free Turkey initiative, the 'softening climate' between the MHP and DEM Party continues. The DEM Party attended the reception for the first time in 11 years.
At the reception, MHP and DEM Party members greeted each other and shook hands.
HOW DID THE PROCESS BEGIN?
When the date showed October 1, 2024, during the opening ceremony of the 28th term's 3rd legislative year, MHP leader Devlet Bahçeli's handshake with DEM Party members became a topic of discussion. Bahçeli stated, "It is essential for the government and opposition to work in a way that instills fear in our adversaries."
Following Bahçeli's remarks, on October 2, DEM Party Group Deputy Chair Gülistan Koçyiğit stated, "Yes, it is a paradox to seek peace in the world while not wanting peace in your own country. In that sense, we need to advocate for peace in the country, peace in the world, and peace in the region, and we believe that necessary steps must be taken to go beyond good faith declarations," marking the beginning of the softening process.
BAHÇELİ'S HISTORICAL CALL
As discussions continued mutually, on October 22, 2024, Bahçeli made a historical call. In his speech at the group meeting, the MHP leader suggested the lifting of the isolation of PKK leader Abdullah Öcalan and his speaking in the Parliament, stating, "If the isolation of the terrorist leader is lifted, let him come and speak at the DEM Party group meeting in the Grand National Assembly of Turkey, proclaiming that terrorism has completely ended and the organization has been dissolved."
After his historical call, both Turkey and the MHP and DEM Party entered a new era. Öcalan called on the PKK terrorist organization to lay down its arms from İmralı. Meanwhile, the ice continued to melt between the MHP and DEM Party.
FOR THE FIRST TIME, THEY CELEBRATED TOGETHER
During Ramadan Bayram, the DEM Party delegation and the MHP delegation celebrated together for the first time. A delegation from the MHP visited the DEM Party, while a delegation from the DEM Party visited the MHP Headquarters.
GET WELL SOON PHONE CALL TO BAHÇELİ
DEM Party Co-Chair Tuncer Bakırhan called MHP Chairman Devlet Bahçeli, who is experiencing health issues, to convey his get well soon wishes. Bakırhan told Bahçeli, "Turkey needs you in the efforts for peace and brotherhood."
BAHÇELİ'S MESSAGE TO SIRRI SÜREYYA ÖNDER
MHP Chairman Devlet Bahçeli stated about Sırrı Süreyya Önder, who is being treated in intensive care, "Mr. Sırrı, with God's help, the support of our doctors, and his own resilience, will hopefully overcome these difficult days. I believe there are many more things we can do in the goal of a terror-free Turkey."