26.05.2026 21:01
MHP Chairman Devlet Bahçeli, who drew attention with his call for Kılıçdaroğlu to "relinquish his chairmanship," called Özgür Özel on the phone. Bahçeli, the first political party leader to call Özel, subsequently spoke with Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu on the phone as well. Bahçeli wished both individuals a happy Eid al-Adha.
The first "Eid al-Adha" phone call for Özgür Özel came from MHP Chairman Devlet Bahçeli. After his conversation with Özgür Özel, Bahçeli also called Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu to congratulate him on Eid al-Adha.
BAHÇELİ CALLS ÖZGÜR ÖZEL
MHP Chairman Devlet Bahçeli called Özgür Özel to congratulate him on Eid al-Adha. Devlet Bahçeli was the first political party leader to call Özel for the holiday. During the sincere conversation, the leaders exchanged good wishes.
This phone call drew attention as it came after Bahçeli's call for "resignation from the chairmanship" directed at Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu, who returned to the CHP chairmanship role through a court's absolute nullity decision.
BAHÇELİ WILL MAKE A CALL TOMORROW
Meanwhile, a striking move came from Devlet Bahçeli. It was announced that MHP Chairman Devlet Bahçeli would make an important call tomorrow, following the ongoing crisis, addressing both Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu and Özgür Özel.
"KILIÇDAROĞLU MUST MEET WITH ÖZEL AND STATE HIS RESIGNATION"
Additionally, in a written statement to CNN Türk days earlier, Bahçeli said: "Common sense must prevail in the CHP. Mr. Kılıçdaroğlu should acknowledge that the injustice done to him has been recognized, yet he must take historical responsibility not to harm, wound, or cause chaos in this deep-rooted institution where he served as chairman for 13 years. Within the framework permitted by law, he should meet with Mr. Özgür Özel and state his resignation to formulate a joint formula for the CHP's future. This outcome will benefit both the CHP and our country. With this historical responsibility, Mr. Kılıçdaroğlu will also earn a special place in the hearts of both the CHP's institutional identity and the citizens devoted to the CHP."
"THE ONLY WAY AT THIS STAGE IS TO RECONCILE"
The statements made by Mr. Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu and Mr. Özgür Özel after the decision are within a framework of unity. However, transforming this into a common will of the CHP will make these efforts constructive. Our wish is that, instead of forming crowds and mutual challenges, both chairmen come together and, within the possibilities provided by laws, party regulations, and court decisions, find a common path prioritizing the CHP's interests by making necessary sacrifices. They should do this without delay and without causing social or intra-party turmoil. It must not be forgotten that an attitude that could evolve into betrayal of the CHP's institutional identity, heritage, and base will be a heavy burden for those who have served the CHP. At this stage, the only way is to reconcile; the fundamental element of reconciliation is avoiding provocations and acting with a sense of resignation and responsibility.
Turkey is a democratic state of law. It has a strong political culture. According to our Constitution, the judiciary is impartial and independent. Turkey belongs to all of us. With this understanding, acting with common sense, unity, and solidarity within the framework of rules and institutions, and reaching a consensus on the future of the CHP will be the most beneficial path.”