Main political events in Türkiye in the last week.
Main political events in Türkiye in the last week.
Three topics were on the agenda in Türkiye last week: İlyas Topsakal’s, Vice President of the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP), visit to Russia, reactions to Netanyahu’s statement targeting President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, and Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan’s assessments regarding the Iran-US/Israel war.
MHP’s Russia contacts
ilyas Topsakal, Vice President of the governing partner MHP, known for its nationalist discourse and representing one of the right-wing traditions in Türkiye, made a noteworthy statement following his contacts in Russia. Topsakal expressed that an alliance should be established between Türkiye, Russia, China and Iran.
The highlights from Topsakal’s interview with the Russian press are as follows:
“Every alliance must have a long-term political and economic program, yet Russia and Türkiye are often on opposite sides of conflicts. How will this be reconciled?
Türkiye was within a pro-Western system for 60 to 100 years. We joined NATO, we have agreements with Western countries and the European Union, and this has created a specific political doctrine. As for Russia, it followed its own path after the collapse of the USSR. Our countries have different historical foundations. However, we now need to forge new agreements because many old commitments have lost their validity. If NATO cannot fulfill its commitments, Türkiye should seek other solutions. If Russia faces security threats, Türkiye must take them into account and vice versa. Both Türkiye and Russia should develop policies that will be most beneficial for both countries.”
“Russia is a multi-ethnic country. There are contacts between Türkiye and the Turkic peoples within Russia. How should Moscow evaluate these contacts?
Many peoples live in Russia, and they have lived there for hundreds of years. During this time, they have preserved their languages, cultures and folklores. This is a great achievement for these peoples. They could not have preserved this anywhere else in the world as they have done in Russia. In Europe, peoples have lost such opportunities.
Despite the multi-ethnic structure, we must understand that there is a unifying factor: citizenship. Many Turks live in Germany and France too. We maintain our cultural contacts with them as well. However, we do so by respecting these countries. The same applies to Russia. We have contacts, but they must be conducted with respect for sovereignty, laws, and borders of countries. No one should interfere in the internal affairs of another state.”
“If we imagine the Turkic world becoming one of the centers of global politics within 20 years, what kind of place would the world be?
The Turkic world can only become a global political actor on a cultural level. It cannot exist in isolation, economically or politically. Geography must be taken into account: Russia, China, the Caucasus, Armenia, Georgia, all these regions must be part of this process. When we talk about the future, we must talk about cooperation. Türkiye, China, and Russia together can create a large and secure economic zone. The idea of a Turkic world without Russia and China is meaningless. It must be part of a broader Eurasian system.”
Topsakal’s words have received extensive coverage in both the Turkish and Russian press. It is thought that, in the coming period, concrete developments might follow Topsakal’s visit.
Reactions to statements from Israel targeting Erdoğan
On April 11, Netanyahu shared a post on his X account. He wrote: “Israel under my leadership will continue to fight Iran’s terror regime and its proxies, unlike Erdoğan who accommodates them and massacred his own Kurdish citizens.”
Reactions have poured in Türkiye following this statement.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Türkiye released a statement. It reads:
“Netanyahu, who has been described as the Hitler of our time due to the crimes he has committed, is a well-known figure with a clear track record.
An arrest warrant has been issued against Netanyahu by the International Criminal Court on charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity. Under Netanyahu’s administration, Israel is facing proceedings before the International Court of Justice on charges of genocide.
Netanyahu’s current objective is to undermine ongoing peace negotiations and continue his expansionist policies in the region. Failing this, he risks being tried in his own country and is likely to be sentenced to imprisonment.
The fact that our President has been targeted by Israeli officials with baseless, brazen, and false allegations is a result of the discomfort caused by the truths we have consistently voiced on every platform.
Türkiye will continue to stand by innocent civilians and will further its efforts to ensure that Netanyahu is held accountable for the crimes he has committed.”
Burhanettin Duran, the Presidency’s Director of Communications, also made remarks on Netanyahu’s statement. Duran said “Netanyahu possesses neither the moral values nor the legitimacy to lecture others” and “would sooner or later be held accountable for his crimes against humanity.” Duran added “under the leadership of President Erdoğan, Türkiye would continue its struggle against oppressors for a fairer, more peaceful, and secure world.”
Bahçeli, the leader of MHP, evaluated Netanyahu’s statement as “a new rock bottom for shamelessness and arrogance.” He reminded Israel’s genocide in Gaza, aggression in West Bank, Lebanon, Syria, and Iran, accusing the country of disrupting regional peace, violating international law, and fueling instability.
Bahçeli stated that “this entity has turned into an organized hub of crisis”, and Netanyahu’s words were “not a product of politics but of a state of panic”.
Bahçeli lastly added, “statements targeting President Erdoğan are direct attacks on the sovereign rights of the Turkish state, the reputation of the nation, and the national will” and “Türkiye, with its deep-rooted state tradition and civilizational heritage, would continue to stand firm against such attacks.”
Fidan’s remarks on Iran-US/Israel war
Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan evaluated the Iran-US/Israel war during an interview with Anadolu Agency (AA).
Regarding the unsuccessful US-Iran talks, Fidan stated, “Both sides are sincere about a ceasefire and aware of its necessity.”
Commenting on the Strait of Hormuz, Fidan noted, “What the entire world wants is for international passage to remain free and unimpeded”. He added, “Our position is for it to be opened through peaceful means… Intervening there with an international armed peacekeeping force presents numerous challenges.”
Drawing attention to Israel’s efforts to expand its reach and occupy territory in Lebanon, Minister Fidan said, “Israel is bombing populated areas. More than 1 million people have been displaced. We are seeing a familiar picture from Gaza. They are in the process of destroying housing, infrastructure, roads, electricity, and every bridge up to the Litani River.”
Fidan also talked about Israel’s strikes in Syria: “We see a major problem in Syria. This is a significant risk for us. Israel is refraining from certain actions against Syria due to the ongoing war in Iran, but they will want to take action when the time comes.” Fidan concluded by saying “We must be prepared for every possible scenario in Syria.”
Lastly, regarding Netanyahu’s X post about Erdoğan, Fidan said: “Israel cannot survive without an enemy after Iran. We see that (Netanyahu) is seeking to declare Türkiye as the new enemy.”