04.06.2026 22:50
MHP Chairman Devlet Bahçeli and Özgür Özel met at Koç Holding's 100th anniversary event. The warmth between them was notable, as Özel had previously said of Bahçeli, "He is neither the guardian of Anıtkabir nor has the potential to be the leader of Turkish youth." Özgür Özel was seen approaching Bahçeli and firmly shaking his hand. The two leaders chatted briefly.
A ceremony organized on the occasion of the Koç Group's 100th founding anniversary was held at Ankara ATO Congresium. MHP Chairman Devlet Bahçeli and Özgür Özel also came together at the event. The moments when the two leaders, sitting side by side, shook hands and chatted for a while were captured by cameras. The cheerful and sincere demeanor of the duo drew the attention of the guests.
SINCERE MOMENTS BETWEEN BAHÇELİ AND ÖZEL
MHP Chairman Devlet Bahçeli and Özgür Özel came together at Koç Holding's 100th anniversary event. The moments when the two leaders, sitting side by side, shook hands and chatted for a while were captured by cameras. The cheerful and sincere demeanor of the duo drew the attention of the guests.
BAHÇELİ TAKES AIM AT ÖZEL WITH HARSH WORDS
This meeting drew attention as it came after the recent harsh political debates between the two leaders. Following Bahçeli's severe criticisms of Özel earlier in the day, the warm and constructive dialogue displayed at the event caused widespread repercussions on the political agenda.
Bahçeli made striking statements regarding the developments after the absolute nullity decision in the CHP. Speaking to Türkgün newspaper writer Yıldıray Çiçek, Bahçeli argued that the steps taken by Özgür Özel, who left the CHP Chairmanship by court decision, without waiting for the Supreme Court of Appeals' final ruling, further deepened the crisis in the party.
"EFFORT TO CLAIM ATATÜRK'S LEGACY"
Bahçeli also criticized Özgür Özel's having Atatürk's Address to the Youth read at Anıtkabir. Arguing that this step was part of an effort by Özel to present himself as the sole representative of democracy, the rule of law, and Atatürk's legacy, Bahçeli said this could deepen divisions in society.
"HE CAN BE NEITHER THE GUARDIAN OF ANITKABİR NOR THE LEADER OF THE YOUTH"
Criticizing Özgür Özel's political language with harsh words, Bahçeli claimed that no strong stance was taken against the allegations of corruption, bribery, and ethical misconduct raised within the CHP. Bahçeli stated, "Someone who prefers to cover up the claims against his party instead of investigating them cannot be Atatürk's heir and the pioneer of Turkish youth."
"HE IS PLAYING AT ADOLESCENT REVOLUTIONISM"
Describing Özgür Özel's political attitude as "adolescent revolutionism," Bahçeli argued that this approach is incompatible with state tradition and the institutional identity of the CHP.