With elections approaching in 2007, Türkiye's political debate is shifting toward nationalist themes, particularly around the country's relationship with the European Union. Columnist Ergun Babahan, writing in Sabah, argues that competing claims over patriotism are defining the political contest.
Republican People's Party (CHP) leader Deniz Baykal drew attention by publicly praising Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) leader Devlet Bahceli, calling his positions a welcome development for nationalists. Babahan sees this as a sign that a broad nationalist front may be taking shape.
Several factors are feeding this inward turn, according to Babahan: the prospect of a Kurdish state forming in northern Iraq, and what he describes as the EU's exclusionary conduct toward Türkiye. Together, these developments reinforce a sense that outside powers are adversarial, strengthening voices that would have Türkiye abandon democratic reforms and human rights commitments.
Columnist Ali Bayramoglu of Yeni Safak is quoted as linking this trend to "accusations of betrayal" aimed at those who challenge nationalist orthodoxy. Babahan warns that within this framework, nationalists position themselves as the sole guardians of the state and its values, labeling dissenters as traitors. He concludes that such exclusionary nationalism poses a serious risk to Türkiye's political future.
Historical summary. TurkishPress restated this wire report, first published in November 2006, in its own words.