[52710] Dramatic Development in Turkey: New Initiatives for a 'Turkey Without Terror' and a Shift in MHP's Approach

[52710] Dramatic Development in Turkey: New Initiatives for a 'Turkey Without Terror' and a Shift in MHP's Approach

Dramatic Development in Turkey: New Initiatives for a 'Turkey Without Terror' and a Shift in MHP's Approach

In the Turkish political system, a significant turning point is emerging regarding the Kurdish issue, as the leadership of the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) is promoting unprecedented moves under the title 'Turkey Without Terror'. According to TurkishNews, a source identified with political and economic reports in Turkey, party chairman Devlet Bahçeli has called for redefining the official status of PKK leader Abdullah Öcalan in a way that serves the state's interest.

As part of this move, Haber Gündem reports that MHP Secretary-General İsmet Büyükataman has revealed a proposal to establish a "Coordination of the Peace Process and Politicization". Büyükataman stated that "despite Bahçeli's militant past toward Öcalan, the current initiative paves the way for the continuation of the 'Turkey Without Terror' process". This step is a direct continuation of Bahçeli's surprising policy that began in the fall of 2024, which included shaking hands with pro-Kurdish parliamentarians and calling for Öcalan to be brought to parliament.

Conversely, according to Rojava Gündemi, a channel identified with the Kurdish narrative and the leadership in Rojava, Kurdish figures are responding positively to this trend. Mustafa Karasu, a member of the KCK Executive Council, stated that following Abdullah Öcalan's call on February 27, 2025, "significant changes" have occurred in Turkey. Karasu emphasized that at the current stage, the Kurdish leadership aims to shift the struggle to a "democratic-political" level.