Nationalist party leader demands social democrat votes

ERZURUM – Doğan News Agency

Cihan Photo

Turkey’s main nationalist party leader cast his eye on the votes of social democrats in Turkey’s northern province of Erzurum on May 30, a week before the June 7 parliamentary elections. 

Devlet Bahçeli, the head of the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP), demanded the votes of Turkey’s social democratic party, the Republican People’s Party (CHP), while delivering a speech during his party’s rally in Erzurum. 

“My citizens who have voted for CHP, walk with us this time,” Bahçeli said on May 30. “My brothers who are undecided; do not waste time. You should know that the MHP is with you.” 

Stating that the MHP would be fighting against corruption when they come to form the government, Bahçeli also asked ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) voters to walk with them in the election.

“My brothers who have voted for the AKP, our country is going to a worse situation. Let us walk together this time for your country and homeland,” said Bahçeli, adding that with the MHP’s economic program, they would solve the problems of poor people in Turkey. 

Bahçeli also touched upon the issue of the Syria-bound Turkish National Intelligence Agency (MİT) trucks, which were stopped in January 2014. 

“The violence, terror and barbarity plans of Erdoğan and Davutoğlu have been found in MİT’s trucks,” Bahçeli said. “With what authority did Erdoğan send weapons to groups with blood on their hands? What was their interest?” 

In an interview with AFP on May 30, Davutoğlu said he could not comment fully on the issue because of “state secrecy,” but said Turkey provided the Syrian people and the Free Syrian Army with assistance, without specifying whether the aid was of a military nature.