MHP leader blames 'separatist kebab shops' for Turkey's unemployment

MHP leader Devlet Bahçeli has said that "separatist kebab shops" are also responsible for Turkey's unemployment, prompting surprise since what he meant by the phrase remains unknown.

Duvar English

Turkish far-right Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) leader Devlet Bahçeli has surprisingly blamed kebab shop owners for Turkey's unemployment problem. 

Addressing members of his party during a parliamentary group meeting on Oct. 5, Bahçeli said that the kebab shops he mentioned are aiding and abetting terror. 

His remarks prompted surprise since he didn't clarify what he meant by the phrase. 

The 73-year-old leader was commenting on the rising food prices and unemployment in Turkey when he out of nowhere turned his focus to kebab shops. 

"I find those complaining about extreme increases in food prices in a sincere way right. I'm not saying anything to them," Bahçeli said, noting that authorities are after opportunists who seek unusual profit from food prices. 

According to Bahçeli, there are certain groups that abuse the citizens' sincere complaints.

"However, it's our duty to remind those who abuse our citizens' efforts of the tragic cost of terror. Separatist kebab shops that aid terror are also responsible for unemployment," he said, creating confusion on social media. 

It's common for Bahçeli to deem any opponents of the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) and more generally People's Alliance that it's a part of "terrorists." 

He is also known for making statements that boggle the minds of social media users.