Bahçeli and Dervişoğlu Walk Together at Republic Day Ceremony

MHP leader Devlet Bahçeli and İYİ Party leader Müsavat Dervişoğlu descended the stairs arm in arm during the Republic Day ceremony at Anıtkabir on October 29. The two leaders smiled as they walked, drawing attention at the official ceremony marking the 103rd anniversary of the Republic.

President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan presided over the state ceremony, with political party leaders also in attendance. The image of the two leaders, who represent different political currents, standing together became one of the notable moments of the event.

“There is actually nothing requiring explanation, but due to systemic polarization, even human relations can become a subject of debate in politics.”

The walk came after a history of sharp disagreements between Bahçeli and Dervişoğlu, particularly over the PKK laying down arms and the İmralı process. In March 2026, Dervişoğlu claimed a communication line existed between Bahçeli and Abdullah Öcalan, a claim Bahçeli rejected with a strong reaction.

In April, Dervişoğlu criticized Bahçeli's political line during his party's group meeting. Following these polemics, their arm-in-arm walk at the Republic Day ceremony created a striking image.

Inside the İYİ Party, the images sparked different reactions. Samsun MP Erhan Usta shared the images and said, "I do not accept this." Party member Mehmet Aslan supported Dervişoğlu and responded to critics with strong statements.

Dervişoğlu responded to journalists' questions about the images, stating there was nothing requiring explanation. He said human relations had become a subject of political debate due to polarization, and announced he would make a statement on October 30.

Dervişoğlu's press advisor Murat İde said Bahçeli's private secretary took Bahçeli's arm as a precaution while descending the stairs, and Dervişoğlu helped after noticing the situation. İde described the image as showing humanity and said it should not be criticized.