03.10.2025 15:40
The leader of the DEVA Party, Ali Babacan, met with President Erdoğan at the reception for the opening of the new legislative year of the Parliament. In an interview on Haberler.com’s live broadcast, Babacan explained the background of the striking photo, saying, "Actually, there was no meeting. There was nothing beyond that photo. I shook hands with everyone present, including Mr. Erdoğan, and said, 'How are you?' Other than that, there was no dialogue."
The reception held for the new legislative year of the Parliament brought together the state's top officials. President Erdoğan had a surprise meeting with party leaders at the reception.
Among those who met with Erdoğan were DEVA Party Chairman Ali Babacan and Future Party Chairman Ahmet Davutoğlu. The photo of Babacan with Erdoğan created a significant public reaction.
BABACAN SHARED THE DETAILS OF THE PROCESS
In a live broadcast from the Haberler.com studio, DEVA Party Chairman Ali Babacan answered questions from News Director Olgun Kızıltepe and presenter Melis Yaşar, speaking about the issue for the first time. Babacan said, "Actually, there is no meeting. There is nothing other than that photo. But let me briefly explain the process. An opening reception is held every year on the evening of October 1st. Therefore, as a political party represented in the Parliament, we attended the opening reception. We had no idea whether the invitation would come to us or not; we were in the reception area. When the invitation came, I was the last to enter. They showed me a chair, and we sat down. Later, Mr. Kurtulmuş stood up and thanked all the party leaders regarding the commission process, giving a 2-3 minute speech," he said.
"WE DID NOT HAVE A DIALOGUE WITH THE PRESIDENT"
Babacan continued his remarks: "I interpreted the invitation from these party leaders as a thank you for the ongoing commission work in the Parliament. After that, 1-2 more people spoke, and then we left. We sat there for about 15 minutes; there was no conversation. We did not have a dialogue regarding the President. I shook hands with those present, including Mr. Erdoğan, and said, 'How are you?' Other than that, there was no dialogue."