04.06.2026 08:00
MHP Chairman Devlet Bahçeli argued that the process following the absolute nullity decision in CHP has deepened the crisis. Claiming that Özgür Özel is trying to establish de facto leadership within CHP, Bahçeli criticized the Anıtkabir and Turkish Grand National Assembly marches, stating, 'He has neither the potential to be the guardian of Anıtkabir nor the leader of Turkish youth.' Characterizing Özel's political stance as 'adolescent revolutionism,' Bahçeli also said he finds the street calls dangerous.
MHP Chairman Devlet Bahçeli made striking statements regarding the developments in the CHP after the absolute nullity decision. Speaking to Türkgün newspaper columnist Yıldıray Çiçek, Bahçeli argued that the steps taken by Özgür Özel, who left the CHP Chairmanship position by court decision without waiting for the Supreme Court of Appeals' final ruling, further deepened the crisis in the party.
Stating that the events in the CHP are not merely an internal party matter, Bahçeli said the process has reached a level that could have effects on Turkey's democratic culture, political institutions, and social peace.
"A PARALLEL CENTER HAS BEEN ESTABLISHED IN THE CHP"
Claiming that Özgür Özel moved to the TBMM Group Chairmanship through a de facto intervention and formed a new power center within the CHP, Bahçeli assessed, "Mr. Özel assumes the position of the de facto leader of the CHP against the status of chairmanship defined in the law."
Expressing that the dual structure emerging in the CHP has turned into a representation crisis, Bahçeli cited the separate Eid greetings organized by Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu and Özgür Özel during Eid al-Adha and the holding of the Parliamentary Group Meeting without Kılıçdaroğlu's knowledge as examples.
"HE IS TRYING TO TURN INTERNAL PARTY STRIFE INTO SOCIAL OPPOSITION"
Bahçeli alleged that Özgür Özel is trying to turn the debates within the CHP into a broader social opposition movement through anti-government rhetoric.
Arguing that the intensifying leadership struggle in the CHP could further deepen the existing polarization, Bahçeli noted that the parties evaluating each other not as political rivals but through a legitimacy problem hardens the political language.
"IT HARMS SOCIAL CONCILIATION"
Stating that the debates carried out through social and traditional media narrow the ground for social conciliation, Bahçeli said the events also damage the CHP's institutional identity.
Emphasizing that politics should be conducted within the framework of legal and ethical rules, Bahçeli noted that protecting the victim in transactions found to be legally defective is one of the fundamental principles of legal security.
"TERROR-FREE TURKEY AGENDA COULD BE OVERSHADOWED"
Pointing out that the tension in the CHP could also affect issues requiring broad consensus in Turkey, Bahçeli specifically drew attention to the "Terror-Free Turkey" process.
Saying that public energy is directed toward debates within the CHP rather than the agenda of reform and the fight against terrorism, Bahçeli expressed that this could make it difficult to establish common ground on national issues.
CRITICISM OF ANITKABIR AND PARLIAMENT MARCHES
Evaluating Özgür Özel's marches to Anıtkabir and the Turkish Grand National Assembly (TBMM), Bahçeli stated that these two institutions are national memory spaces representing the unity and solidarity of the Turkish nation.
Stressing that these areas should not be made part of political strife, Bahçeli claimed that the said marches trigger tense fault lines in Turkish politics.
"EFFORT TO CLAIM ATATÜRK'S LEGACY"
Bahçeli also criticized Özgür Özel for having Atatürk's Address to the Youth read at Anıtkabir. Arguing that this step is part of an effort to present Özel as the sole representative of democracy, the rule of law, and Atatürk's legacy, Bahçeli said this could deepen division in society.
"HE CAN BE NEITHER THE GUARDIAN OF ANITKABIR NOR THE LEADER OF THE YOUTH"
Criticizing Özgür Özel's political language with harsh words, Bahçeli alleged that no strong stance was taken against allegations of corruption, bribery, and ethical issues raised within the CHP. Bahçeli stated, "Someone who prefers to cover up allegations against his party rather than confronting them cannot be Atatürk's heir and the pioneer of Turkish youth."
"PRACTICES TEENAGE REVOLUTIONISM"
Describing Özgür Özel's political stance as "teenage revolutionism," Bahçeli argued that this approach is incompatible with state tradition and the CHP's institutional identity.
THE KILIÇDAROĞLU DEBATE
Stating that Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu is being portrayed by some circles as part of the government's operation against the CHP, Bahçeli claimed this aims to intimidate those with differing views within the party.
Bahçeli said, "Declaring everyone who is not on your side as a government collaborator or traitor is a flawed political understanding."
REACTION TO THE "PHYSICAL STRUGGLE" REMARK
Bahçeli also criticized Özgür Özel's words, "Are you ready to put our lives on the line, to engage in physical struggle?" used during the Eid greeting program at the Ankara Provincial Directorate.
Noting that this statement was made on the anniversary of the Gezi Park protests, Bahçeli said the meaning of the expression "physical struggle" needs to be clarified.
"CARRYING IT TO THE STREETS IS DANGEROUS"
Warning against the possibility of internal party debates spilling into the streets, Bahçeli stated that initiatives that could trigger social events and lead to chaos would threaten Turkey's peace and stability.
Expressing concern that the developments may evolve beyond the right to democratic protest, Bahçeli said they find it dangerous for the process in the CHP to be used to pave the way for social incidents.
WARNING ABOUT FETÖ AND FOREIGN INTERVENTION
Recalling that Turkey has experienced non-political interventions and FETÖ operations in the past, Bahçeli argued that the CHP's direction should not be determined by individuals with debated international connections.
Saying that sensible CHP members should not allow this, Bahçeli stated that the developments should be closely monitored.
"A NEW PARTY SCENARIO COULD BE ON THE TABLE"
Claiming that Özgür Özel and Ekrem İmamoğlu could move toward a new political formation in the future, Bahçeli said recent meetings and statements suggest such a possibility.
Arguing that disciplinary decisions Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu might take against some party members could also be used as a justification for new party efforts, Bahçeli alleged that a new political structure might be attempted based on the rhetoric that "the CHP has been taken over by the government."
AN IMAGE OF "RESISTING LEADER" IS BEING CREATED
Claiming that Özgür Özel climbing onto a TOMA, holding a rally in the rain, tearing up a court notice, and the debates at Anıtkabir are part of a planned communication strategy, Bahçeli argued these are presented to create an image of a "resisting leader."
"AN ALLIANCE OF DISCORD COULD EMERGE"
Claiming that the İYİ Party and the Victory Party have taken a position close to Özgür Özel in the process, Bahçeli said this could pave the way for new alliance searches. Bahçeli alleged that the debate within the CHP could turn into a new "alliance of discord" in Turkish politics in the future.
CONGRESS CALL AGAIN FOR SEPTEMBER 9
Bahceli reiterated his previous proposal, stating that a process of cleansing and calming should be initiated in the CHP. Suggesting the renewal of the current membership structure and holding a congress on September 9 with renewed members, Bahceli noted that Kemal Kilicdaroglu is the chairman and expressed that the CHP needs to reunite and unite.