Ankara – Devlet Bahçeli, leader of Turkey’s Nationalist Movement Party (MHP), has called for the immediate dissolution of the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) umbrella organization, known as KCK. Bahçeli’s remarks, made during a speech to his party’s parliamentary group on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, signal continued pressure on the Turkish government to address Kurdish militancy.
Bahçeli also voiced support for a recent directive issued by the Ministry of National Education regarding activities during the month of Ramadan. He questioned what he perceived as potential opposition to the directive, stating, “What is wrong with the Ministry of National Education’s general decree?” The directive, released on February 12, 2026, outlines guidelines for events to be held during the holy month as part of the “Century of Turkey Education Model.”
Addressing his party members, Bahçeli emphasized the importance of maintaining unity and brotherhood within Turkey. “To embrace Turkey with the historical legacy of national unity and brotherhood, which we possess, is an indispensable requirement of our current duty and position,” he said.
The MHP leader also touched upon the ongoing “Terror-Free Turkey” initiative, stating that any framework for the process should not include amnesty or impunity. He asserted that the next steps should involve both political and legal measures, alongside the immediate dismantling of the KCK structure. This call for the KCK’s dissolution underscores the Turkish government’s ongoing efforts to suppress Kurdish separatist movements.
Bahçeli further commented on the need for vigilance during Ramadan, warning against attempts to sow discord. He stated, “It is important and essential to act cautiously and prudently against those who calculate to infiltrate the poisonous fumes of discord into our consciousness during this season of mercy, and forgiveness.”
In a separate statement, Bahçeli addressed the status of İmralı, the island prison where PKK founder Abdullah Öcalan is held, questioning how the existing ambiguities surrounding its status would be resolved in the context of a “Terror-Free Turkey.”
The MHP’s stance reflects a firm commitment to maintaining national security and suppressing perceived threats to Turkey’s territorial integrity. The move underscores the continued focus on counterterrorism efforts within the country’s political landscape.
