Erdogan's nationalist ally supports talks with pro-Kurdish party
MHP leader Devlet Bahceli's decision to back negotiations with the HDP over a constitutional amendment hints at an election strategy for Turkey’s ruling alliance.
ISTANBUL — When Turkey’s ultra-nationalist leader Devlet Bahceli rose to address his lawmakers in parliament this week, many expected signs of a split in his party’s alliance with the governing Justice and Development Party (AKP).
The source of the anticipated schism was the AKP’s meeting a few days earlier with members of the Peoples’ Democratic Party (HDP), the left-wing group that has its roots in the Kurdish movement. Bahceli, in particular, has accused the party of supporting terrorism.
Instead, the firebrand politician, who has led the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) for the last 25 years, offered his support to the talks on constitutional change.
“It is a natural step to negotiate with the HDP for the work on the constitution,” Bahceli said on Tuesday.
