Turkey's ruling party defends national stance amid NATO tensions

AK Party MP Nebi Hatipoğlu condemned language that dismisses voters as “sheep,” urging those who have long belittled the electorate to be held accountable. He emphasized that no organization can replace the state, that public institutions must be respected, and that criticism of past allies should be consistent.

Hatipoğlu and other commentators argue that Turkey is moving from a self‑described “national stance” to a pro‑NATO position. They cite recent NATO summit rhetoric, perceived U.S. pressure, and a pivot toward alliances with Russia, China and Iran, warning that this shift could undermine Turkey’s independent security policy.