Tension in AKP Over Bahçeli: What Happens if MHP’s Stance Changes?

WISE NEWS PRESS / ANKARA, TURKEY — Nov. 10, 2025

Despite recent public messages of unity from the leaders of the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) and the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP), crack rumors persist within the "People's Alliance" (Cumhur İttifakı). Disagreements over issues like the İmralı talks (with the imprisoned PKK leader) and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) elections have escalated claims of internal friction.

According to a column by Nuray Babacan in Nefes, a deep sense of caution prevails within AKP circles regarding the MHP's position. AKP politicians reportedly fear that if MHP General Chairman Devlet Bahçeli's stance on the alliance changes, the consequences would be felt very rapidly.

Silence Dominates the Base

Another notable observation in the column is the silence within the AKP base. Voters who previously openly expressed their demands regarding economic dissatisfaction or party policies are now reportedly quiet. A senior AKP official's statement highlights this concern:

"Even when they were angry, they used to express their views. Now, they don't voice an opinion on any subject. We don't know if this silence means they have lost hope."

International Discomfort Over İmamoğlu

AKP officials reportedly feel uncomfortable that during their international contacts, issues concerning the detention of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu, judicial independence, and democratization are constantly brought up. NATO meetings are cited as the "only comfortable space" for them.

Unease Over DEM Party Relations

The AKP's current engagement with the DEM Party, which the AKP previously "associated with terrorism," is causing internal discomfort among the base. There are concerns that rapid policy shifts are leading to a loss of voter trust. Party members also report similar negative reactions regarding the discussions surrounding delegations visiting İmralı.

A senior AKP official warned about the approaching election process:

"Politics is done with core capital. Any cooperation can end, but one must calculate how citizens will interpret a change in position. The election is determined not by the core voters but by the undecided. One wrong step can lose all the undecided voters."

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