Devlet Bahçeli, leader of the Milliyetçi Hareket Partisi (MHP), said Turkey will be a leading and founding actor in the new phase of NATO.
This assertion comes as Turkey seeks to leverage its strategic position to influence the alliance's future direction and security architecture. By positioning itself as a primary architect of the next era, Turkey aims to ensure its geopolitical interests remain central to NATO's decision-making processes.
Speaking in Ankara during the NATO summit, Bahçeli said that Turkey will play a key role in shaping the future of the alliance. He said the country has the ability to guide the organization through its upcoming transitions, a move intended to highlight Turkey's indispensability to the Western security bloc.
"Türkiye yeni dönemin kurucu aktörüdür," Bahçeli said, which translates to "Turkey is the founding actor of the new era."
Beyond the alliance's internal structure, Bahçeli used the platform to address regional tensions. He said the actions of Israel were critical, linking Turkey's leadership within NATO to its role as a voice for stability and justice in the Middle East. This approach suggests that Turkey intends to use its influence within the alliance to push for specific regional policy shifts.
While Bahçeli focused on the NATO summit, other reports indicate a broader political agenda. Some sources note that he has also discussed a new roadmap for a "Terörsüz Türkiye," or a terror-free Turkey, suggesting that his vision for international leadership is tied to domestic security goals.
“"Türkiye yeni dönemin kurucu aktörüdür."”
Bahçeli's rhetoric signals a shift toward a more assertive Turkish foreign policy that views NATO not just as a security umbrella, but as a tool for regional influence. By claiming a 'founding' role in a new phase, Turkey is signaling that it will no longer be a passive member of the alliance, but will instead demand a primary seat in determining the strategic priorities of the West, particularly regarding the Middle East.
