Devlet Bahceli criticizes Ursula von der Leyen's comments on European influence

Devlet Bahceli, leader of the Turkish Nationalist Movement Party (MHP), criticized European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen following her statement that the European continent should not be left under Russian, Turkish, or Chinese influence. Addressing his party's parliamentary group, Bahceli argued that the grouping of Turkey with these countries was not a linguistic error but a sign of arrogance and hypocrisy. He accused the European Union of pursuing a double-standard policy by keeping Turkey outside of membership processes while simultaneously seeking its cooperation on security, energy, transport, and migration. Bahceli asserted that Europe cannot function without Turkey's strategic contributions in these sectors. He further emphasized that Turkey will not accept a subordinate role in international scenarios directed by other powers. The MHP leader called on European authorities to revise their rhetoric toward Turkey and to engage based on reality rather than slogans. He concluded by insisting that any relationship with Turkey must respect its national dignity, state prestige, and historical significance.