MHP leader sees a farce in controversy over Fidan’s move into politics

ANKARA

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Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) leader Devlet Bahçeli has indicated he considers the apparent difference of view between President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoğlu over the outgoing intelligence chief’s decision to run for parliament a farce.

“Here, the president isolating and disowning a resignation by saying ‘I don’t want it [Fidan’s candidacy to become a lawmaker],’ seems beyond being convincing,” Bahçeli said, speaking with a group of journalists at his parliament office on Feb. 11.

Earlier this week, while speaking to reporters on his plane traveling to Colombia, Erdoğan had expressed fury at the surprise resignation of his influential spy chief.

The head of Turkey’s National Intelligence Organization (MİT), Hakan Fidan, resigned on the weekend to stand for parliament for Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoğlu’s ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP), with Erdoğan then stunning commentators by saying he did not approve of the move.

Fidan has always been seen as one of Erdoğan’s most loyal allies and his motives in wanting to stand for parliament and enter politics remain unclear, with some believing he is eyeing a top government job.

“He [Fidan] is a personality who worked with him [Erdoğan], who made decisions together with him in important activities along the resolution process and who implemented them. While moving to enter politics, he should at least visit the president out of courtesy, say ‘This is my consideration,’ and leave it to his discretion,” Bahçeli said.

During the same interview with reporters, Erdoğan said his confidant, Fidan, resigned despite Erdoğan’s objection, as he wanted Fidan to remain in his crucial current post.

Nonetheless, the appointment of Fidan’s successor as MİT chief must be approved by the president, Erdoğan stressed, suggesting that he would have the final say on the matter.