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.
