MHP Leader Devlet Bahçeli Delivers Strong Messages in Parliament: “Europe Cannot Do Without Türkiye, Kirkuk Is Our Red Line”

Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) Chairman Devlet Bahçeli delivered a comprehensive speech at the Turkish Grand National Assembly group meeting, issuing striking messages on both domestic and foreign policy.

Stating that the global system is going through a serious period of fracture, Bahçeli emphasized that rising geopolitical tensions and economic volatility are putting states and societies under pressure. He underlined the critical importance of national unity in such times, saying, “The meaning of being a nation deepens in periods like these.”

In his speech, Bahçeli devoted significant attention to the upcoming May 3 Nationalists Day, describing the events of 1944 as a historic turning point for Turkish nationalism. He noted that the trials of that period were “a dark stain in terms of law and human rights,” while stressing that the nationalist movement stood firm despite oppression.

Highlighting that Turkish nationalism is not merely an idea but a discipline of morality, character, and struggle, Bahçeli stated, “This cause belongs not to those who remember it, but to those who carry it.”

Emphasis on Kirkuk and Turkmens

A significant portion of the speech focused on Iraq and Kirkuk, which Bahçeli described as a historical and cultural legacy for the Turkish nation. Drawing attention to the hardships faced by Turkmens, he described the renewed visibility of Turkmen political will in Kirkuk as a “historic development.”

He also referred to the appointment of Iraqi Turkmen Front leader Muhammed Seman Ağa as governor as a turning point, reaffirming that Türkiye will continue to stand by the Turkmen community.

“We will neither forget Kirkuk nor abandon our kinsmen,” Bahçeli said, stressing that the city should never again become a subject of political bargaining.

Strong Reaction to the European Union

Bahçeli also sharply criticized the European Union and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen over remarks concerning Türkiye.

He described von der Leyen’s statement that “Europe should not be left to Russian, Turkish, or Chinese influence” as “arrogant and double-standard.”

“Europe cannot do without Türkiye — not in security, not in energy, not in migration management,” Bahçeli said, emphasizing that Türkiye will not compromise its independent and multidimensional foreign policy.

“Türkiye Will Not Be a Figurative Actor”

Reiterating Türkiye’s position in the international system, Bahçeli stated, “The Republic of Türkiye will not be a figurant in a scenario written by others.”

Concluding his speech with a message of unity, Bahçeli affirmed that Turkish nationalism remains strong and determined as ever.

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