Türkiye’s political scene has been lively last week once again.
President Erdoğan addressed the recent statement of Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) leader Devlet Bahçeli, a coalition partner, who suggested inviting PKK leader Abdullah Öcalan to Parliament to formally announce the dissolution of the terrorist organization PKK.
Finance Minister Mehmet Şimşek made statements regarding the great ongoing economic turbulence.
The main opposition party, the Republican People Party (CHP), organized a rally following the arrest of Esenyurt’s Mayor for alleged links to the PKK and reiterated its call for early elections.
Erdoğan addresses Bahçeli’s call
Speaking at his party’s group meeting on, Erdoğan began by commemorating Türkiye’s Republic Day on October 29. Erdoğan then addressed the recent terrorist attack in capital Ankara and Bahçeli’s call on PKK leader Abdullah Öcalan to formally announce the dissolution of the terrorist organization PKK on the stage of the Parliament.
On the commemoration of the Republic, Erdoğan emphasized “unity”:
“The Republic is not a republic of any individual, faction, group, sect or ethnic origin. This Republic belongs as much to the poor as it does to the wealthy. It is as much the Republic of the people from the west and south of the country as it is of those from the north and east. It is the Republic of both Alevi and Sunni citizens, of both right-wing and left-wing citizens, and of both the majority and the minority. This Republic is for everyone who feels connected to this land and nation, regardless of faith, thought, lifestyle or background. It is not only the Republic of Turks but also of Kurds, of everyone who says, ‘I am a proud citizen of the Republic of Türkiye’ whether be Laz, Circassian, Arab, Greek or Romani. This Republic is the work of all of us, and thus it belongs to all 85 million of us.”
President Erdoğan then spoke on the recent terrorist attack by PKK terrorist organization targeting Turkish Aerospace Industries (TUSAŞ) in Ankara. Erdoğan extending condolences to the families of those martyred and reminding that TUSAŞ had recently provided 20 “Gökbey” helicopters to various state institutions said the followings:
“We have done everything necessary to foster the brotherhood between Turks and Kurds. We have tried and tested every method. However, we’ve encountered obstacles, betrayals, and treachery at every turn. Those who benefit from terror have stood in the way of solutions. Some, seeing that unity would lead to a stronger Türkiye, have set traps and used covert means to block this progress. We have paid a heavy price, faced many disappointments and seen countless betrayals. Yet, we didn’t lose our hope.”
Lastly, Erdoğan addressed MHP leader Devlet Bahçel’s recent call on PKK leader Abdullah Öcalan.
Calling this call as a historic opportunity to address longstanding issues of the country and strengthen unity, Erdoğan extended gratitude to Bahçeli. Erdoğan praised Bahçeli as a leader who “makes history with his wisdom, foresight, and bold statements”. He added that there are those who “view Bahçeli’s recent statements in this light of historic opportunity before us” and those who “focus on their personal or group agendas, continue to wallow in inconsistency and empty words”.
Erdoğan also expressed appreciation for CHP leader Özgür Özel, who supported Bahçeli’s call, saying “I applaud Mr. Özel for openly advocating for unity and contributing to the spirit of brotherhood. I sincerely hope that with Mr. Özel’s leadership, the CHP will stand on the right side of history and support unity”.
Finance Minister Şimşek on S&P’s credit rating upgrade
Standard & Poor’s (S&P) recently upgraded Türkiye’s credit rating from “B+” to “BB-”, while maintaining a “stable” outlook. Türkiye became the only country this year to receive a two-level credit rating increase from the three major credit rating agencies, S&P, Fitch, and Moody’s.
Finance Minister Mehmet Şimşek commented on S&P’s decision on social media, noting: “We are the only country this year to see a two-step upgrade from the three major rating agencies”. Economic stabilization, reduced current account deficit, stabilized Turkish lira, stronger reserves and the ongoing disinflation process were effective in that. These improvements have lowered the country’s risk premium and significantly improved external borrowing costs. Market indicators point to further positive developments in the near future.
In the statement made by S&P, the factors that are effective in the credit rating upgrade are as follows: The tight monetary policy of the Central Bank of the Republic of Türkiye, the protection of the value of the lira by the Turkish authorities, the reduction of inflation, the restabilisation of foreign exchange reserves.
Interest from Western financial institutions in Türkiye have grown since Mehmet Şimşek was appointed as Finance Minister. Known for advocating policies aligned with Western economic models, Şimşek has been steering Türkiye’s economic strategy in this direction.
CHP’s call for early elections
A district in Istanbul, Esenyurt Mayor Ahmet Özer of CHP was arrested on charges of “membership in the PKK terrorist organization”. Following the arrest, CHP leader Özgür Özel held a rally in Esenyurt. During his speech, Özel strongly condemned the mayor’s arrest, called the process “unlawful” and accused authorities of manipulating the legal system. Özel said, “We stand against those who disrespect the national will”.
Özel concluded the rally with a call directly addressing early elections: “If you have the courage, Erdoğan, the people are ready. We are ready to stand with the public and voice their concerns. The people’s demand will override any personal agendas”.
Officials of the PKK-affiliated DEM Party also participated in the rally.