19.12.2025 18:22
In the General Assembly of the Turkish Grand National Assembly, the remarks made by a supporter group towards Leyla Zana became a topic of discussion. AK Party Group Deputy Chair Özlem Zengin announced that an investigation had been initiated regarding the incidents, while MHP Group Deputy Chair Erkan Akçay reminded that Zana had previously visited Alparslan Türkeş, who addressed her as "My daughter."
The discussions on the '2026 Central Government Budget Law Proposal' continue in the Grand National Assembly of Turkey (TBMM). During the discussions, the remarks made by a group of supporters towards Leyla Zana also became a topic of debate in the General Assembly. Members of parliament speaking on behalf of their parties condemned the incident.
The TBMM convened under the chairmanship of Deputy Speaker Pervin Buldan. While discussions were ongoing on the 9th article of the budget proposal, the remarks made by a group of supporters towards Leyla Zana during the Somaspor-Bursaspor match came to the forefront.
HARSH REACTION FROM CENGİZ ÇANDAR
Speaking on the matter, DEM Party Diyarbakır MP Cengiz Çandar stated, "In Bursa, we expected primarily you women MPs to come out from this podium and say a few words against the insults of a group of ignorant racists. You should have, and you still should. As a person whose family roots go back 700 years in Bursa, and whose population registry is in Bursa, I apologize to Leyla Zana on behalf of all Bursa." In response to Çandar's remarks, Deputy Speaker Pervin Buldan said, "I will respond to the issue regarding Leyla Zana with just one word from here. Leyla Zana is our honor; period."
“THERE IS NO SUCH THING AS TOLERANCE”
Following this, AK Party Artvin MP Faruk Çelik took the podium. Çelik stated, "I expressed on social media that Bursaspor is winning 3-0 and the match is about to end. I put this as a question mark before you. I also clearly stated that this is wrong, unacceptable, not right, and cannot be tolerated." He added, "I say these things because Mr. Cengiz Çandar mentioned that 'it was not expressed, the issue was glossed over.' I believe that the entire Assembly agrees with the words I expressed in the face of this action, and that no MP will say 'No.' This is not an event that will be tolerated, approved, or regarded as 'how nice it is'; on the contrary, it is an event that will be condemned. I also want to express that this is not an event that can be tolerated."
“I CALL ON THE MINISTRY OF INTERIOR TO TAKE ACTION”
DEM Party Group Deputy Chairman Sezai Temelli also stated during Çelik's speech that they were expecting an apology, saying, "An incredible insult, attack, and curse has been directed at one of the most honorable politicians of this country. Of course, we did not blame all of Bursa or all Bursa supporters. We said that a group committed this crime. The issue is an apology, and secondly, the necessary investigation must be opened against those who committed this crime. Leyla Zana is our honor, and I call on the Ministry of Interior to take action on this matter."
“I CONDEMN THE INSULTING CHEERS WITH VIOLENCE”
MHP Group Deputy Chairman Erkan Akçay stated that he had just learned about the incident, saying, "I strongly condemn the insulting cheers directed at Leyla Zana, and I put a period there. In 1992, the HEP delegation, of which Leyla Zana was a member, also visited the MHP and our leader Alparslan Türkeş. They had presented a report. During that meeting, our leader Alparslan Türkeş addressed Leyla Zana as 'my daughter.' It was widely discussed at that time. He is a person whom our leader Alparslan Türkeş addressed as 'my daughter,' period."
“AN INVESTIGATION HAS BEEN INITIATED”
AK Party Group Deputy Chairman Özlem Zengin also stated that she strongly condemned the incident, saying, "Nothing like this can be done to any woman, any politician, any female politician, and Leyla Zana; it is absolutely unacceptable. Subsequently, our Minister of Justice also made a statement, and an investigation has begun. It must be determined who did this and for what motive. However, at the same time, we should not adopt an attitude that maligns Bursaspor, the people of Bursa, and the people of Soma as a whole."