Bahçeli makes striking ‘framework law’ statement: ‘I did not expect 467 either’

MHP leader Devlet Bahçeli said even he did not expect Turkey’s Parliament to approve the framework law connected to the second peace process by 467 votes.

In an interview with Habertürk Ankara representative Nasuhi Güngör, Bahçeli said the process had advanced without serious difficulty so far. He said Turkey had made significant progress in combating terrorism, but that separatist activities had continued to create tension and provocation across the country.

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The 467 figure was something I did not expect either.

Bahçeli also discussed the day, October 1, 2024, when he shook hands with members of the DEM Party in Parliament. He said the gesture fulfilled a call by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and also represented a humanitarian duty. He later said the process accelerated after calls for the PKK to dissolve itself and lay down its arms, followed by visits to İmralı and other contacts.

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We did not encounter any very serious problems or difficulties from the beginning of the process.

“The 467 figure was something I did not expect either,” Bahçeli said. He described the vote as the result of agreement reached in committee and public exchanges that showed broad support for passing the law. In his view, the level of approval could widen social consensus and strengthen solidarity.

Bahçeli renewed his call for changes to Turkey’s election and political party laws. He also argued that parts of the presidential government system should be reviewed after two terms and that a new constitution was needed for it to operate properly. He said political parties, civil society groups, intellectuals and academics should participate in discussions aimed at strengthening the system and correcting its shortcomings.

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Turkey needs political stability above all else.