Özgür Özel's soft attitude towards Devlet Bahçeli is turning into an area of weakness in Turkish politics that is generating more and more controversy. Politics is not a game of diplomacy conducted with politeness; on the contrary, it is a field of struggle that requires principles, stance and clarity. Excessive caution in this struggle is often interpreted as passivity, not virtue.
The fact that the leader of a well-established party like the Republican People's Party uses such a soft language against the leader of the Nationalist Movement Party, which stands on a diametrically opposite ideological line, raises a serious question mark in the eyes of the electorate. This is because voters expect the opposition not only to exist but also to take a strong counter stance.
Although Özgür Özel's approach is presented as “de-escalation” or “political courtesy”, the reality on the ground is quite different. Politics in Turkey is tough, competition is fierce and messages have to be clear. In this environment, an ambiguous and soft attitude does not soften the other side; on the contrary, it obscures you. Politics does not tolerate a vacuum; when one side retreats, the other fills the space.
Adopting such a low-key opposition language against a political figure like Devlet Bahçeli, who has been known for his harsh and clear rhetoric for years, can be considered a strategic mistake. Because Bahçeli's politics is based on a show of strength rather than compromise. In this equation, softness looks like a unilateral step back, not a dialog.
More importantly, this attitude risks creating a rift in the CHP's base. Voters want the leader who represents them to be decisive and combative. If the leader does not show the necessary toughness against powerful figures, this will lead to a loss of trust over time.
In conclusion, even if Özgür Özel's soft approach towards Devlet Bahçeli can be interpreted as “de-escalation” in the short term, in the long term it seems like a strategy that may lead to a loss of political weight. Politics sometimes requires building bridges, but for those bridges to be solid, a strong ground is required first. And that ground can only be built with a clear stance and determination.