01.07.2026 13:40
Felicity Party Chairman Mahmut Arıkan criticized the security measures taken before the NATO Summit, saying, "You have gone to the USA many times; how many parks were closed when you went? How many people were arrested days in advance?" Arıkan stated, "Okay, we understand the capital, but why are you imposing bans in other provinces? Or are you preparing the country for martial law?"
Saadet Party Chairman Mahmut Arıkan, in his speech at the New Path Party Group Meeting, made evaluations regarding the agenda, particularly the NATO Summit preparations, the economy, retirees, defense industry, and Cyprus.
"ALL OF THE COUNTRY'S PROBLEMS HAVE BEEN SET ASIDE"
Reacting to the measures taken before the NATO Summit, Arıkan argued that the government has focused its entire agenda on the summit. "The government has set aside all of the country's problems; it's all about NATO, nothing else," said Arıkan, claiming that the preparations in Ankara create a "shameful" image.
Arıkan stated, "People are being arrested just because they might protest, journalists are being embargoed, houses are being painted so that citizens' poverty is not seen, and tarpaulins are being drawn along the roadsides."
"ARE YOU PREPARING THE COUNTRY FOR MARTIAL LAW?"
Continuing his criticism of the government, Arıkan said, "You have gone to the USA many times; how many parks were closed when you went to the USA? How many people were arrested days in advance? Let us tell you: zero. Okay, we understand the capital, but what happened in Afyonkarahisar? Why are you imposing bans in Karabük, Mersin, Eskişehir, Bolu, Antalya? Or are you preparing the country for martial law?"
"WHY IS TRUMP GIVING THE KAAN'S ENGINE AS A GIFT?"
Referring to claims in some media outlets that "Trump will bring a KAAN fighter jet engine to Turkey," Arıkan criticized the domestic defense industry.
"Why is Trump giving us the engine of the jet you call one hundred percent domestic and national as a gift?" said Arıkan, stating that the domestic engine project for KAAN must be completed as soon as possible.
STATEMENT ON CYPRUS AND ISRAEL
In his speech, Arıkan also touched on claims regarding the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, stating that Maraş and Güzelyurt cannot be subject to bargaining, and said, "The smallest concession to be made in Cyprus is also a matter of survival for Turkey."
Arıkan also reacted to Israel's recognition of the 1915 events as "Armenian genocide," accusing Israel of committing genocide in Gaza.