IYI Party Deputy Criticizes Foreign Policy Decisions

Erdoğan DEMİR / EDİRNE (İGFA) – IYI Party Edirne Deputy Prof. Dr. Mehmet Akalın emphasized that Turkey has been shaping its foreign policy with daily decisions in recent years, stating that “unfortunately, the principle of ‘peace at home, peace in the world’ in the founding philosophy of the Republic has been sacrificed to short-term interests.”

Deputy Akalın pointed out that Turkey has been experiencing diplomatic crises with countries it declared as friends one day, sitting back at the table with the same countries the next day, and these inconsistencies have shaken Turkey’s credibility in the international arena. Akalın, saying “Our regional power is measured by reactiveness rather than consistency,” criticized that foreign policy is managed with impulsive decisions rather than strategy, even after the recent visit to America.

“TURKEY CANNOT BE SWAYED BY THE WIND”

Referring to Turkey-Israel relations in his speech, Akalın stated that relations are conducted more with reactionary reflexes than on a strategic basis. Akalın pointed out that turning the Palestinian issue into a tool of rhetoric in domestic politics undermines its credibility, saying, “Real solidarity with the Palestinian people comes not from emotional outbursts but from sustainable and principled diplomatic steps.”

Evaluating Lebanon’s policy, Akalın stated that Turkey has taken on a symbolic role in this country where historical and cultural ties are strong in recent years, when stability in Lebanon is critical for the peace of the Eastern Mediterranean. Akalın also highlighted that Turkey’s statements in the Eastern Mediterranean are leading to isolation, saying, “Permanent balance is established through cooperation rather than conflict.”

Akalın concluded his speech by emphasizing that foreign policy should be conducted with a rational, principled, and sustainable strategy, not individual and inward-looking approaches. He said, “Turkey should exist not only with military power but also with justice; not only with interests but also with reputation,” stating that the future of foreign policy needs to be reconstructed to build a new future.