Devlet Bahceli

ModernPoliticianTurkey1948 — ?

MHP leader and Turkish coalition kingmaker.

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Quick Facts

Born

1948

Country

Turkey

Era

Modern

Occupation

Politician

Score Overview

Military (10%)34

Political (20%)61

Influence (20%)55

Legacy (20%)45

Leadership (15%)53

Strategy (15%)42

Total Score49.8

Devlet Bahceli — Complete Timeline

1997 AD

Became Leader of the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP)Political Action◆ Major

Devlet Bahceli was elected as the chairman of the MHP on July 6, 1997, following the death of Alparslan Turkes. He transformed the party from a radical nationalist group into a mainstream political force, focusing on Turkish nationalism and secularism.

Party LeadershipNationalism

Impact: national

1999 AD

Entered Coalition Government as Deputy Prime MinisterPolitical Action◆ Major

Bahceli led the MHP into a coalition government with the Democratic Left Party and the Motherland Party in 1999. He served as Deputy Prime Minister until 2002. The coalition was marked by economic reforms and the capture of Abdullah Ocalan.

CoalitionGovernment

Impact: national

2017 AD

Supported the 2017 Constitutional ReferendumPolitical Action◆ Major

Bahceli's MHP supported the AKP's constitutional referendum in 2017, which transformed Turkey from a parliamentary to a presidential system. This alliance was controversial within the MHP and led to internal splits, but it solidified Bahceli's role as a kingmaker.

ReferendumConstitutionAlliance

Impact: national

2018 AD

Formed the People's Alliance with AKPPolitical Action◆ Major

In 2018, Bahceli formed the People's Alliance with President Erdogan's AKP for the general elections. This alliance has dominated Turkish politics, giving Bahceli significant influence despite the MHP's smaller size.

AllianceElectionsPolitics

Impact: national