Politics
Presidential Cabinet Meets Today: 4 Key Issues on the Table
The Presidential Cabinet, chaired by President Tayyip Erdoğan, is convening today after a two-week break. The main topic will be the ceasefire process in Gaza, discussing Turkey’s potential role following the “Middle East Peace Summit” and the recent memorandum of intent signed by mediator countries. Other agenda items include the new solution process, ongoing economic measures, and proposals to shorten the 12-year compulsory education system. The meeting, held at Beştepe, will start at 16:30, and Erdoğan is expected to address the nation afterward, announcing the cabinet’s decisions.
Turkish Politics Heats Up Over “Maximalist Demands” Debate
CHP leader Özgür Özel criticized the Gazze peace summit and MHP leader Devlet Bahçeli’s “avoid maximalist demands” remark during a parliamentary group meeting. Özel argued that calling demands for democracy, equality, and rights for all citizens maximalist is misleading, emphasizing that young Turks, Kurds, Laz, Circassians, Alevis, and Sunnis should have their rights recognized. He also defended speaking out on foreign policy, stating Turkey’s interests are safeguarded both domestically and internationally.
Meanwhile, Bahçeli defended his “avoid maximalist demands” stance, urging restraint regarding DEM Party slogans and remarks about Öcalan. DEM Party co-leader Tuncer Bakırhan countered that their demands—such as constitutional citizenship rights, rule of law, education in native languages, and legal reforms for political prisoners—are basic democratic standards, not exaggerations. The debate highlights a widening rift over Turkey’s political and human rights agenda.
⚡ Heated Exchange in Parliament: “Messenger” Debate Between Buldan and Çömez
A tense moment unfolded in Turkey’s Grand National Assembly when İYİ Party Deputy Group Chair Turhan Çömez accused Deputy Speaker Pervin Buldan of acting as a “messenger” (ulak) after her visit to İmralı Prison as part of the negotiation delegation. Buldan interrupted Çömez’s speech, rejecting the accusation and responding sharply: “No one has the right to insult me. If I’m doing something, it’s for Turkey’s future and peace, not as a messenger.” Following the verbal clash, Buldan briefly suspended the session for 15 minutes to meet with party representatives.
📜 Öcalan’s Letter to Barzani: Calls for Active Role in Peace Process
Imprisoned PKK leader Abdullah Öcalan has reportedly sent a letter from İmralı Prison to Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) President Nechirvan Barzani, urging him to take an active leadership role in pursuing a “democratic and lasting solution” to the Kurdish issue. According to Amberin Zaman of Al-Monitor, Öcalan emphasized that the process concerns not only Turkey but also Iraqi Kurdistan, calling for regional cooperation in the renewed peace talks. The letter was delivered shortly after Barzani’s meeting with President Erdoğan in Ankara on October 7, where, according to a senior Kurdish official, Barzani asked Erdoğan to accelerate legal reforms that could allow PKK members to return from the mountains to Turkey peacefully.
Fatih Erbakan to MHP: “If Anyone Should Meet Öcalan, Let It Be Devlet Bahçeli”
Yeniden Refah Party leader Fatih Erbakan criticized the planned meetings between the Parliament’s National Solidarity, Brotherhood, and Democracy Commission and Abdullah Öcalan. Speaking on social media, Erbakan stated that the commission should not represent the Parliament in visiting Öcalan. Instead, he suggested that MHP leader Devlet Bahçeli, who initiated the process and emphasized the importance of Öcalan’s views, should personally visit İmralı and report back to the commission. Erbakan emphasized that since Öcalan cannot come to Parliament, the responsibility should fall on Bahçeli.
🚨 Ex-THK Rector Ünsal Ban Escapes Abroad Despite Travel Ban
Former Turkish Aeronautical Association (THK) Rector Ünsal Ban, known for his ties to corruption allegations involving his ex-wife AKP MP Zehra Taşkesenlioğlu and former Capital Markets Board (SPK) Chair Ali Fuat Taşkesenlioğlu, has reportedly fled abroad despite multiple court-imposed travel bans. According to journalist Alican Uludağ (NOW Haber), Ban—who had previously been caught trying to flee to Greece—managed to escape the country after allegedly obtaining a Greek passport. Ban had been arrested in a stock market manipulation probe but was released after 36 days under the repentance law, raising questions about judicial oversight in the case.
🤝 Özgür Özel Visits Hikmet Çetin in Hospital: “Your Presence Gives Me Strength”
CHP Chair Özgür Özel visited former CHP leader and Parliament Speaker Hikmet Çetin, who is receiving treatment at Başkent University Hospital in Ankara. Accompanied by Prof. Mehmet Haberal, Özel extended his well wishes, telling Çetin, “Get well soon so we can stand together on the campaign bus again. Your presence gives me strength and pride.” Özel also greeted hospital staff and posed for photos before leaving. Çetin, who was previously in intensive care due to pneumonia symptoms, has now been moved to a regular ward for observation.
🎓 YÖK Data Reveals: 1 in 25 Equivalency Certificates Is Fake
According to new data from Turkey’s Higher Education Council (YÖK), 6,738 students who completed high school abroad and received equivalency certificates between 2020–2025 were found to have deficient or falsified documents. Out of 169,000 certificates issued, roughly one in every 25 showed inconsistencies. The findings, disclosed in response to a parliamentary question from CHP MP Seda Kaya Ösen, led to the expulsion of thousands of students from Turkish universities.
🌍 Turkey Looks West: 68% of Society Prefers AB and USA
According to KONDA Research’s July 2025 Barometer, 68% of Turkish society wants to emulate Western countries, with the EU (54%) and USA (14%) most preferred. Only 6% favor Muslim-majority countries. Research Director Aydın Erdem highlights that society looks up to Norway, Sweden, Scandinavia, and France, valuing high social capital, education, and tolerance. Ten years ago, one in four said “no country,” but now this is under 10%. Social media and global exposure have increased admiration for the West. Turkey’s societal orientation points toward a free, educated, and tolerant Western model.
Economy
📈 IMF Upgrade: Turkey’s 2025 Growth Forecast Raised to 3.5%
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has raised Turkey’s 2025 GDP growth forecast from 3% to 3.5%, with 2026 projected at 3.7%. Inflation is expected to decline to 34.9% in 2025 and 24.7% in 2026, while unemployment is forecasted at 8.3% for both years. Globally, growth projections were slightly revised upward, though trade policy uncertainty remains high, increasing economic risks. Growth forecasts for the US and EU were modestly adjusted upward, while China, India, and other emerging markets saw largely stable predictions.
Daily Cartoon from İ.Bülent Çelik
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