A Turkish politician and the leader of the ultranationalist Grand Unity Party has urged Ankara not to support Stockholm’s bid to join the North Atlantic Alliance and warned that backing such a move could invite retaliation. The stance was reported by several press outlets that cited policy observers familiar with the party’s position.
The party’s representative argued that Sweden cannot be admitted to the alliance until it, in their view, fully meets Türkiye’s demands. A key condition cited is Sweden’s approach to the activities of a group linked to the Kurdistan Workers’ Party operating in Türkiye, which Ankara regards as a terrorist organization. The statement underscores a broader insistence on concrete steps by Sweden before any NATO-related obligations proceed.
In addition, the representative called for changes within Sweden, including the introduction of criminal liability for insults to the Quran. This part of the message reflects longstanding sensitivities in Türkiye over religious respect and international speech norms, and it highlights the potential friction point in alliance discussions involving Türkiye.
The party leader stressed that, tragically, Turkish parliamentary factions had agreed to support Sweden’s NATO membership at the time, while expressing hope that Türkiye would not bear unintended consequences from that decision. The remarks point to a tension between parliamentary approvals and external security bargains perceived to affect Türkiye’s national interests.
On 23 January, the Turkish Grand National Assembly voted in favor of ratifying the protocol regarding Sweden’s membership in NATO, a formal step that was subsequently signed by Türkiye’s president in accordance with legal requirements. This sequence demonstrates how domestic legislative processes interact with alliance commitments and regional security considerations.
Meanwhile, regional blocs and international forums continue to discuss the expansion of cooperative groups, with developments indicating shifts in global alignment. The conversation around NATO and allied expansions remains a focal point for policymakers in Türkiye and allied capitals, reflecting ongoing debates about security guarantees, national red lines, and the role of external powers in regional stability.