MHP leader Bahçeli denies rumors of rift, says he has ‘unshakable bond’ with Erdoğan
Commenting on the rumors that there is a rift between him and President Erdoğan regarding reconciliation efforts with the Kurds, MHP leader Bahçeli said he has an “unshakable bond” with President Erdoğan.
Duvar English
Turkish government-ally, far-right Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) leader Devlet Bahçeli on Nov. 19 denied rumors of a rift between him and President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.
Speaking at the parliamentary group meeting of the MHP, Bahçeli said, “It is my duty to remind that there will be no separation between our President Erdoğan and myself when it comes to the homeland, the nation, and the flag. Our will is not under hostage like others,” in his own speaking style.
“There is an unshakable bond between the President and me. It is my duty and conscience to remind that there will be no separation and dissociation,” he said.
“Terrorism will be eradicated. I call out to all my Kurdish brothers and sisters. The PKK cannot represent Kurds,” he added.
There are rumors that Bahçeli made his move regarding jailed Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) leader Abdullah Öcalan without informing Erdoğan and that the latter is hesitant towards such a move.
The former recently called on Öcalan to announce the dissolution of the PKK at the Parliament in a surprising move after some seeming reconciliation efforts.
Some critics even claimed that Erdoğan and his government appointed trustee mayors to three municipalities run by the pro-Kurdish DEM Party in response to Bahçeli’s call.