Bahçeli Delivers Message on Fund Investigation and Municipal Corruption Allegations

News: Gökhan Turhan

MHP Chairman Devlet Bahçeli addressed the ongoing fund investigation and corruption allegations involving municipalities during his speech at the Nationalist Movement Party’s (MHP) parliamentary group meeting. Bahçeli said strong sanctions would be imposed over allegations of financial market manipulation and fraud, while emphasizing that those involved in ongoing judicial proceedings concerning municipalities should respond to the allegations through legal channels.

Devlet Bahçeli, Chairman of the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP), made statements on current issues during his party’s group meeting at the Grand National Assembly of Türkiye (TBMM). His speech covered the fund investigation, corruption allegations involving municipalities, press freedom, the economy, counterterrorism efforts and foreign policy.

“Those targeting our nation’s lawful savings will face sanctions”

Commenting on the fund investigation, Bahçeli drew attention to allegations of market-distorting transactions, manipulation, fraud and abuse of trust that he said threatened the stability of the Turkish economy.

Bahçeli stated that he welcomed the steps taken to identify those responsible and address the grievances of victims. He noted that the relevant legislative proposal was on the agenda of the TBMM General Assembly and stressed the need to clarify all aspects of the case and ensure that those responsible are held accountable.

Emphasizing that justice involves more than punishing offenders, Bahçeli said protecting the innocent and safeguarding the rights of victims were also essential components of justice.

Statement on corruption allegations involving municipalities

Bahçeli also addressed judicial proceedings involving several municipalities, particularly Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality. He criticized alleged conflicts of interest in areas including public tenders, zoning, licensing, real estate, municipal subsidiaries, personnel and public expenditure.

Bahçeli said that, rather than using political controversies to create personal agendas while judicial proceedings continue, those concerned should respond to the allegations through legal channels. He added that courts are places where the right to a defense must be respected.

Emphasis on press freedom and the rule of law

Addressing debates over press freedom, Bahçeli said a free press was an indispensable element of democratic societies and that the media should be able to fulfill its duty to inform the public freely.

He emphasized that press freedom must be accompanied by responsibility, adding that media organizations, like all other institutions, are accountable under the law.

Goal of a “leading country and superpower Türkiye”

Bahçeli also outlined his vision for Türkiye’s future, stating that the strategic objective was to build a “Leading Country and Superpower Türkiye.”

Highlighting the importance of the rule of law, strong institutional capacity, social solidarity and economic stability, Bahçeli listed targets including technology production, high-value-added industry, increased agricultural productivity and reduced dependence on foreign energy supplies.

Noting that Türkiye has 208 universities and a total higher education student population of 6,554,312, Bahçeli said universities should contribute to solving the country’s problems through scientific research.

Terror-Free Türkiye and regional developments

Bahçeli stated that the goal of a Terror-Free Türkiye could not be considered separately from regional developments and commented on the situation in Iraq and Syria.

He referred to initiatives aimed at dismantling armed groups in Iraq and steps toward ending the military presence of the SDF/YPG in Syria and integrating it into state institutions. Bahçeli said these developments were important for regional peace and stability.

He also addressed Cyprus, commenting on allegations that the closed area of Varosha could be placed under United Nations administration and that Famagusta Port could operate under the supervision of the European Commission. Bahçeli stressed the need to remain vigilant regarding the sovereign rights of Turkish Cypriots.

Organization of Turkic States summit to be held in Ankara

Addressing relations with the Turkic world, Bahçeli highlighted the 13th Summit of the Organization of Turkic States, which Türkiye is scheduled to host on October 29–30, 2026.

He said the summit would take place in Ankara and that the 103rd anniversary of the Republic of Türkiye would be celebrated together with the Turkic world.

The 2027 budget submitted to Parliament

At the end of his speech, Bahçeli announced that the 2027 Central Government Budget Bill, the 2025 Central Government Final Accounts Bill and the Court of Accounts reports had been submitted to the Presidency of the TBMM.

Describing the 2027 budget as one intended to increase predictability, expand production capacity and strengthen the social state principle, Bahçeli called on lawmakers to make constructive contributions to the budget discussions.