MHP leader and Erdogan ally Devlet Bahceli is becoming the key figure in Turkey politics, whose actions in the coming days can affect Erdogan’s conduct, or even open the door to a new constitution. KARAR columnist Mr Yildiray Oğur analyzes Bahceli’s letter to pro-MHP Türkgün over Eid to provide clues which was he is leaning.
Apart from the mutual visits between MHP and DEM during the holiday, the most intriguing news was Devlet Bahçeli's two articles published in MHP's official publication, Türkgün.
The second article was a well-known oration directed against CHP.
However, the first article, titled "A Historic Call for a New Social Life and a New Turkey," did not attract much attention from those preoccupied with trivial matters. Yet, it was a meticulously crafted piece that could influence politics in the coming days.
Bahçeli is a person who exercises oratory in Turkey at the highest level, comparable to Norwegian standards.
He has been using this significant privilege for beneficial purposes over the past six months.
[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ia_KCIM06GA&t=55s[/embed]
His call for Öcalan to come to Parliament, referring to Öcalan as the "founding leadership" when addressing the PKK, and his latest proposal—which even DEM Party members hesitated to repeat—"Come, hold your dissolution congress on May 5 in Malazgirt"…
Focusing solely on the literal aspect of this call, one might respond with objections like "but this is legally impossible; how will PKK members come to Malazgirt”, (Since there are arrrest warrants on all of them) which Bahçeli himself would likely find amusing.
In fact, when Bahçeli invited Öcalan to Parliament, he demonstrated how much he valued this invitation, stood by the state's promises, and showed flexibility, thereby instilling confidence in the negotiation process.
Now, by inviting the PKK to hold its dissolution congress in Malazgirt on a specific date, he is doing the same.
The intended recipient of this message is the PKK, which has been postponing the congress for weeks, citing demands such as the cessation of military operations, Öcalan's participation in the congress, and legal steps in Parliament.
There is an atmosphere of distrust
By inviting the PKK to hold its congress in Malazgirt, Bahçeli is essentially saying, "You're getting caught up in minor details; look, I'm offering you something you couldn't even imagine," thereby undermining the excuses causing delays in the dissolution decision.
In other words, Bahçeli is saying, "As long as you convene the congress to decide on dissolution, we are even open to you doing it in Turkey; don't worry." Perhaps by specifying the date of May 5, he is also providing a security guarantee.
Bahçeli's article in Türkgün serves primarily as a guarantee and message regarding the reforms to be undertaken in Parliament, amid ongoing discussions about whether these should occur before or after the dissolution decision.
A very clear message:
[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S4B9-dbQDRI&t=4s[/embed]
"In this context, as emphasized in İmralı's call, weapons should first be laid down, the congress should swiftly convene, and the decision to completely dissolve the PKK should be implemented. For the long-term success of the historic opportunity presented by the PKK's disarmament and dissolution process, new initiatives and comprehensive reforms in political, economic, and social spheres should be undertaken to further strengthen our national unity; social consensus, justice, and equality should be fundamental. The political and social conditions to achieve this are present. Our governance system possesses the characteristics to provide effectiveness and flexibility. The Presidential Government System is a management structure where political and social consensus is prioritized. It is a dynamic democratic choice that responds to conditions and developments."
This is an unequivocal guarantee.
He states that "new initiatives and comprehensive reforms in political, economic, and social spheres" will be undertaken to ensure the long-term success of the PKK's disarmament and dissolution process. However, he emphasizes that this is contingent upon the dissolution occurring first.
In the article, Bahçeli also outlines the content of these reforms:
"Within this framework, changes that will expand the political arena in political parties and election laws, increase participation, strengthen intra-party democracy, secure party membership with solid guarantees, and establish ethics and principles in politics can be implemented. Regulations can be made to widespread social representation in all areas, strengthen the legislative-executive relationship, and make balance and supervision more effective."
These are reforms that will broaden political participation, strengthen intra-party democracy, and establish ethics and principles in politics.
In summary, Bahçeli is saying:
"Lay down your arms, dissolve, and in return, we will undertake comprehensive reforms that will democratize Turkey, strengthen democracy, and ensure social consensus."
This is a clear guarantee.
The article also includes a significant self-criticism:
"The Presidential Government System is a management structure where political and social consensus is prioritized. It is a dynamic democratic choice that responds to conditions and developments."
This is an acknowledgment that the Presidential Government System has not been implemented with the expected political and social consensus.
Bahçeli is now saying that this consensus will be achieved through the reforms to be undertaken.
This is a significant self-criticism and a promise for the future.
In conclusion, Bahçeli is making a historic call:
"Lay down your arms, dissolve, and in return, we will undertake comprehensive reforms that will democratize Turkey, strengthen democracy, and ensure social consensus."
This is a clear and unequivocal guarantee.
It is now up to the PKK to respond to this call.
Will they seize this historic opportunity, or will they continue to delay with various excuses?
The answer to this question will determine the future of Turkey.
Bahçeli has made his call.
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