President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan on Wednesday said that ongoing efforts of rapprochement with the opposition are actually aimed at “normalizing the opposition,” during an address at his party’s parliamentary group meeting.
In his speech Erdoğan emphasized that efforts to reduce political tension after a year marked by three successive elections should not be misinterpreted.
“Our steps to lower the political tension should not be misunderstood. It is the opposition that needs to open its clenched fists and normalize,” he said.
He further stated that while political reconciliation and normalization are possible between the ruling party and the main opposition, a formal political alliance is out of the question.
“We aim to act constructively for Turkey’s interests,” Erdoğan added.
Erdoğan’s remarks drew a swift retort from main opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP) leader Özgür Özel.
Özel said Erdoğan’s statements were far from normal. “To shake hands, you need two hands, not one,” he said, referring to the need for mutual effort in normalization.
Özel criticized Erdoğan’s definition of normalization as a tactic to appease his ally, the far right Nationalist Movement Party (MHP).
“Trying to define normalization in a way that shapes the opposition to fit a certain mold is merely an attempt to placate his ally,” he asserted. Özel also reiterated that true democracy could not exist if the opposition is suppressed.
Erdoğan’s Justice and Development Party (AKP), which has been in power since 2002, faced a historic defeat in the local elections on March 31, with the CHP emerging as the leading party for the first time since 1977. Following the elections, Erdoğan and Özel had brief interactions and later, reciprocal visits to each other’s party headquarters.
Amid the broader political landscape, the stability of the AKP-MHP alliance appears threatened. MHP leader Devlet Bahçeli has previously voiced criticism and suggested the possibility of a broader alliance that includes the CHP, reflecting internal tensions within the alliance. Bahçeli’s comments came as the MHP faces scrutiny over its involvement in the politically charged murder of former Grey Wolves leader Sinan Ateş.
The upcoming trial related to Ateş’s assassination is poised to be a critical juncture for the MHP. Bahçeli’s defensive remarks indicate underlying panic within the party as it faces increasing pressure.