22.10.2025 18:12
Former TİP MP Barış Atay made headlines with his statement, "I cannot have friends from the AK Party, MHP, and İYİ Party," during a program he attended. Users on social media reacted to his remarks, commenting, "Who is creating polarization?" and "Those who talk about freedom of expression show no limits in intolerance."
Former TIP MP Barış Atay drew significant backlash on social media with his "Friendship" remarks during his appearance on Özlem Gürses' program.
LISTED THREE PARTIES: I CANNOT HAVE FRIENDS
Speaking about his personal relationships on the program, Atay stated that he cannot be friends with people from different political views, saying, "I cannot have friends from AK Party, MHP, or İYİ Party. My perspective on friendship is not that broad. If I have to, I communicate, but my friends are generally from CHP and HDP."
Atay's remarks quickly sparked controversy. Social media users found the artist and politician's statements to be "polarizing."
Some of the comments made were as follows:
- Here is the leftist hypocrisy, if you are not one of us, stay over there.
- Those who complain about polarization in every speech.
- They talk about freedom of expression, understanding, and tolerance in environments, and then speak like this.
- A study titled "Who is causing polarization."
"POLARIZATION" DEBATE BACK ON THE AGENDA
Barış Atay's statements have brought the long-standing polarization debates in politics back to the forefront. While some users criticized Atay for insincerity, others argued that his words should be considered a "personal preference."