Bahçeli: "A Terror-Free Turkey Must Not Be Missed—It Is a Historic Opportunity"

By Ahora Qadi

ERBIL (Kurdistan24) – Turkish Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) leader Devlet Bahçeli on Tuesday urged the Turkish state and society to seize what he described as a “golden opportunity” for a terrorism-free Turkey, calling it a “historic achievement” and a national imperative.

The message came in Bahçeli’s statement, in which he emphasized the strategic significance of the ongoing campaign titled Turkey without Terror, framing it as a milestone that could define the destiny of the Turkish Republic.

A Call for Unity Against Destabilization

"Turkey is marching forward into a new century with determination and vision," Bahçeli declared. “The success and serenity of this progress, as well as the elevation of our nation to the rank of a leading and superpower country, depend on national unity and dignity. A terror-free Turkey will be a historic achievement,” he stated.

He further asserted that a Turkey free of terrorism would be “an eternal Eid for the Turkish nation” and a legacy passed on to future generations. He stressed that “an era of grief and regret must come to an end, and provocations and lawlessness must be decisively eradicated.”

Reaffirming his party's commitment to national solutions, Bahçeli underscored: “The pathway to a national solution is not through mountains or caves, but through Ankara—the capital of the Republic—based on principles, foundations, and the dignity of the state.” He concluded by warning, “The golden opportunity that has emerged must not be lost,” calling for accountability at all levels to ensure this vision is realized.

DEM Party Stresses “Concrete Steps” for Peace

Bahçeli’s remarks were echoed—albeit from a different angle—by Tülay Hatimoğulları, Co-Chair of the Peoples' Equality and Democracy Party (DEM Party), who also addressed the parliament on Tuesday. She emphasized the need for “concrete and symbolic steps” by the government to prove its seriousness in the peace process.

In a speech delivered during her party’s parliamentary group meeting, Hatimoğulları remarked, “We are at a critical stage, filled with hopes and demands, not merely for a peace process but for the success of such a process.”

She underscored the responsibility of the ruling authority, stating: “We repeat our call once again; the government must certainly take certain steps. Practical measures are necessary.”

Hatimoğulları described the recent initiative to establish a parliamentary commission as “very significant,” and noted that her party had shared its proposals during ongoing discussions.

“We emphasized that the commission should work in a result-oriented and effective manner,” she said. “There is no time to waste, and the commission must act decisively.”

A Commission with Purpose

According to Hatimoğulları, the commission must not be a symbolic body but one equipped with actionable mandates and legislative authority.

“We are talking about a mechanism that does not merely produce rhetoric, but presents comprehensive proposals and carries a sense of urgency. It must not become a dumping ground for the country’s crises,” she said. “The commission must be formed in a way that allows it to act swiftly and with purpose.”

She concluded by stressing that many aspects of life in Turkey—from regional governance to justice and equal rights—are fraught with challenges. “With a responsible commission, swift steps can be taken. This commission must become the voice of both history and peace. It must be a commission that builds peace and etches its place in history.”

A Political Crossroads

Tuesday’s statements by both Bahçeli and Hatimoğulları reflect two contrasting yet converging narratives: one calling for national unity through state-centric solutions, and the other advocating inclusive institutional mechanisms for peace. Both, however, highlight a shared sense of urgency and the high stakes involved in defining Turkey’s next political chapter.