Devlet Bahçeli

Devlet Bahçeli, born on January first, nineteen forty-eight, is a prominent Turkish politician and economist, known for his influential role in the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP). As the current chairman of the MHP, he has been a significant figure in Turkish politics, often described as a kingmaker.

Bahçeli's academic background in economics from Gazi University laid the foundation for his political career. He became a founding member of the Grey Wolves and was elected as the chairman of the MHP in nineteen ninety-seven, following the death of Alparslan Türkeş. His political journey began in earnest when he entered the Grand National Assembly as a deputy from Osmaniye during the nineteen ninety-nine general election, later serving as deputy prime minister in a coalition government until two thousand two.

Despite a setback in the two thousand two general election, where the MHP fell below the ten percent electoral threshold, Bahçeli was re-elected as chairman in two thousand three. His party regained its parliamentary seats in the two thousand seven general election, marking a resurgence in his political influence.

Initially a staunch critic of Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, Bahçeli's political stance shifted following an intra-party crisis after the MHP's poor performance in the November two thousand fifteen general election. This change led to a schism within the party, resulting in the formation of the Good Party by Meral Akşener in two thousand seventeen. In a strategic move, Bahçeli formed an electoral alliance with Erdoğan's Justice and Development Party (AKP) for the two thousand eighteen general election, which he maintained during the two thousand nineteen local elections, solidifying the MHP's support for Erdoğan's cabinet in the Grand National Assembly.