Saadet Party Leader Mahmut Arıkan: 'Is urban consensus a crime while the peace process is democratization?'

Key remarks during iftar meeting
Saadet Party leader Mahmut Arıkan met with senior bureaucrats and national media representatives at an iftar dinner held in Ankara. During the event, he answered questions on various current issues and harshly criticized the government for its contradictory political behavior.

‘Urban consensus seen as a crime, while peace process hailed as democratization’
Arıkan pointed out the inconsistency in how some municipalities’ urban consensus efforts are criticized, while past peace negotiations with Kurdish representatives are portrayed as steps toward democratization.
"MHP’s stance is clear, Bahçeli’s position is known, but the ruling party's direction is contradictory," Arıkan stated. Citing the example of Ahmet Türk, who was dismissed as mayor and later became a key figure in the peace process, he said:
“Municipalities are seized through trustees, but the same process is promoted as democratization. That’s one of the contradictions we strongly oppose.”

‘Expecting anything good from Trump is delusional’
Reacting to President Erdoğan’s recent comments that a second Trump term could offer opportunities for Turkey, Arıkan criticized the inconsistency in Turkey’s foreign policy:
“From ‘Hey Trump’ to ‘my friend Trump,’ this is pure cognitive dissonance. Trump has clearly destructive intentions toward our region.”

‘Cotton candy politics is a waste of time’
Commenting on the social media debate over “cotton candy politics,” Arıkan referenced Erdoğan’s own words promoting “love over hate politics,” and added:
“A president who speaks of national unity should not engage in such trivial symbolism. Meanwhile, people can’t afford sweets for Eid, let alone daily necessities. Discussing such topics is a waste of the nation’s time.”

‘The opposition should aim for 51%, not protect 48%’
Analyzing recent elections, Arıkan emphasized the need for a strategic shift in opposition politics:
“In the 2014, 2018, and 2023 presidential elections, the results were always 52 to 48. While the ruling bloc tries to hold onto 50+1, the opposition should focus on turning 48 into 51. Just preserving the base won’t be enough.”

Claim about Finance Minister Mehmet Şimşek
Responding to a question during the event, Arıkan suggested that Treasury and Finance Minister Mehmet Şimşek may be leaving his position soon. However, he did not provide further details.