Devlet Bahceli, chairman of the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP), delivered a New Year’s message emphasizing Türkiye’s focus on national unity, resilience and firm action against terrorism.
He reflected on the challenges and accomplishments of 2024 and outlined aspirations for 2025 within the context of the “Century of Türkiye” initiative.
Bahceli’s message highlights Türkiye’s priorities as it confronts regional instability, navigates the ongoing transition in Syria and strengthens its fight against terrorism. His remarks underscore the MHP’s commitment to fostering unity and advancing Türkiye’s strategic goals.
Key points of Bahceli's message
National unity, solidarity
Bahceli called for collective effort, stating: “The time has come to become each other’s lifeline.”
He emphasized the need for cohesion, declaring: “Weapons will either be buried, or those who hold them will be.”
Stressing the importance of solidarity, he said: “Divisions and discord weaken the foundations of our shared future.”
Syria's new leader and Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) chief Ahmed al-Sharaa (R) receives Ukraine's Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha (Andriy Sybiga) in Damascus on December 30, 2024. (Photo by Bakr ALKASEM / AFP)
Nationalist leader highlights Türkiye’s focus on unity, counter-terrorism for 2025
Ukraine's Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha (Andriy Sybiga) (L) leads a delegation of officials including Foreign Ministry spokesman Heorhii Tykhyi (C) as they are received by Syria's new leader and Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) chief Ahmed al-Sharaa (2nd-R) in Damascus on December 30, 2024. (Photo by Bakr ALKASEM / AFP)
DAMASCUS, SYRIA - DECEMBER 27: People, holding Turkish and new Syrian flags, arrive Umayyad Mosque to perform Friday prayers as life has returned to normal after the overthrow of the 61-year long Baath regime and 53-year rule of the Assad family in Damascus, Syria on December 27, 2024. ( Emin Sansar - Anadolu Agency )
Türkiye'S Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan meets with Ahmed al-Shara, leader of Syria's new administration
Developments in Syria
Addressing the recent political transition in Syria following the departure of Bashar al-Assad, Bahceli described it as a pivotal moment for regional stability.
He expressed hope that the interim government in Damascus would establish inclusive governance, ensuring Syria’s political and territorial integrity.
Bahceli reiterated Türkiye’s commitment to supporting peace in Syria and resisting ethnic and sectarian conflicts that threaten regional stability.
VAN, TURKIYE - DECEMBER 28: Turkish soldiers stationed at the Gulluk Border Post in Baskale district, located at an altitude of 2,800 meters near the Iranian border and 83 kilometers from the city center, patrol as continue their fight against terrorism, illegal migration, and smuggling despite harsh winter conditions in Van, Turkiye on December 28, 2024. Enduring challenging terrain and severe weather, the troops remain steadfast in their mission to protect the nation.
( Özkan Bilgin - Anadolu Agency )
VAN, TURKIYE - DECEMBER 28: Turkish soldiers stationed at the Gulluk Border Post in Baskale district, located at an altitude of 2,800 meters near the Iranian border and 83 kilometers from the city center, continue their fight against terrorism, illegal migration, and smuggling despite harsh winter conditions in Van, Turkiye on December 28, 2024. Enduring challenging terrain and severe weather, the troops remain steadfast in their mission to protect the nation. ( Özkan Bilgin - Anadolu Agency )
VAN, TURKIYE - DECEMBER 28: Turkish soldiers stationed at the Gulluk Border Post in Baskale district, located at an altitude of 2,800 meters near the Iranian border and 83 kilometers from the city center, patrol as continue their fight against terrorism, illegal migration, and smuggling despite harsh winter conditions in Van, Turkiye on December 28, 2024. Enduring challenging terrain and severe weather, the troops remain steadfast in their mission to protect the nation.
( Özkan Bilgin - Anadolu Agency )
Beton duvar insasi ve hendek kazma çalismalarinin devam ettigi Van-Iran sinir hattinda, güvenlik güçleri teknolojinin tüm imkanlarini kullanarak aldiklari önlemlerle güvenligi sagliyor. Komsu ülke Iran'la en uzun sinira sahip olan Van'da, yasa disi göçün engellenmesi, kaçakçilik faaliyetlerinin durdurulmasi ve PKK'li teröristlerin ülkeye sizmasinin önüne geçilmesi amaciyla çalisma yürütülüyor. Güvenlik duvari, hendek çalismalari ve teknolojik yatirimlarla sinirin kontrol altinda tutuldugu bölgede, hudut birlikleri 2 bin 500 rakimli sarp ve engebeli cografyada 7 gün 24 saat görev yapiyor. ( Özkan Bilgin - Anadolu Ajansi )
Counterterrorism
Bahceli reaffirmed Türkiye’s uncompromising stance against terrorism:
“There will be no tolerance for armed terrorists, whether within or outside our borders,” he said.
He highlighted Türkiye’s progress in dismantling PKK/YPG terrorist group, emphasizing that the fight against terrorism remains a national priority.
Vision for 2025 and Century of Türkiye
Bahceli described 2025 as a critical year in Türkiye’s journey toward realizing the “Century of Türkiye” vision, focusing on progress in democracy, defense and unity.
He celebrated achievements such as the maiden flight of the domestically produced combat aircraft, KAAN, and Türkiye’s advancements in space exploration, including the successful mission of its first astronaut in 2024.
Urging continued progress, Bahceli said, “Türkiye must harness its collective strength to shape a brighter future.”
Broader implications
Bahceli’s remarks reflect the MHP’s dedication to addressing Türkiye’s domestic and regional challenges. His focus on unity, counter-terrorism, and regional diplomacy aligns with Türkiye’s broader strategy to maintain internal stability and assert its influence in the region.
Newsletters
4 min read
5 min read
