'Imrali Process' and New Constitution Messages from Devlet Bahçeli

While discussions on the revision of the Presidential Government System and the 'new constitution' continue, remarkable statements came from MHP Chairman Devlet Bahçeli.

Bahçeli also made striking evaluations about the 'framework law' passed by the Parliament.

Answering the questions of Habertürk Ankara Representative Nasuhi Güngör, MHP leader Bahçeli stated that they had not encountered any serious problems in the İmralı Process up to this stage and said:

"We did not encounter any serious problems or difficulties from the beginning of the process. Essentially, our approach to the issue can be expressed as follows. Turkey has made significant progress in the fight against terrorism. It has achieved success. However, there were some provocations and tensions brought about by separatist activities throughout the country. We were thinking and working on what we could do. We were closely following the public discussions."

Devlet Bahçeli spoke as follows about the day he shook hands with DEM Party members in the Parliament on October 1, 2024, which is also considered the starting point of the process:

"On the one hand, we fulfilled the requirements of Mr. President's call to the parliament. On the other hand, we fulfilled a humanitarian duty. Yes, there was a lot of talk and discussion after that day. Then, on the date you specified, we demanded that the PKK dissolve itself and lay down arms in the DEM Party Group. Afterwards, the process accelerated. Delegations went to İmralı. There were various contacts. There were people coming to us. These conversations that started in those days brought the process to a productive point."

Bahçeli stated that he was also surprised that the process law was accepted with 467 votes in the Turkish Grand National Assembly and said:

"The consensus reached in the commission and the exchange of ideas openly followed by the public revealed a broad consensus on the enactment of the law. Frankly, I did not expect the number 467 either. But this level of acceptance led to the expansion of social consensus and the strengthening of solidarity. This is something that makes the process extraordinarily strong."

In his statement, Devlet Bahçeli repeated his message of changing the election and political parties law, which he had made before.

On the other hand, Bahçeli argued that changes in some points in the Presidential Government System are important and that a 'new constitution' is needed for them to function properly, and summarized as follows:

"Türkiye needs political stability, first of all. This is the system that provides this need permanently. It is important to review some points regarding the implementation of the system in the intervening two periods. First of all, a constitution is needed for the healthy functioning of the system.

In both areas you mentioned, changes that will both strengthen the system and eliminate disruptions should be negotiated. Not only politics, but also non-governmental organizations, our intellectuals and academics should come together and address this. "Of course, these changes that strengthen the system and eliminate the deficiencies should be handled in accordance with the work on the new constitution."