Bahçeli curious about president's next 'costume at his palace'

Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) leader Devlet Bahçeli has joined a popular debate on President Recep Tayyip Erdo?an?s dramatic remake of his palace ceremonial guard, as he said he has been curious about Erdo?an?s next costume.

?I don?t have the conviction that it has any aspect to be commented on,? Bahçeli said Jan. 13 when asked to comment on the Jan. 12 welcoming ceremony at the presidential palace, during which spear-carrying guardsmen, warriors bedecked in chainmail, gleaming golden helmets and even a few fake moustaches thrown in for good measure were on display.

?But I wonder about one issue; I wonder which costume will Mr. Erdo?an be seen with one day at the palace?? Bahçeli said.

Brief remarks by Bahçeli, who is known for his surprise humorous comments despite his generally serious attitude, appeared to have been a cross-reference to Erdo?an?s perceived ambitions to govern the country under his one-man rule, since the president is accused by critics of seeking to run the country like an Ottoman sultan.

Upon his arrival in the Turkish capital city of Ankara for an official visit, being greeted with an official ceremony at the new presidential premises, widely known as Ak Saray (White Palace), as Palestinian President Mahmud Abbas shook hands with Erdo?an, the main staircase of the controversial palace was occupied by 16 warriors dressed in period armor, carrying spears, shields and clutching fearsome-looking swords.

For another opposition leader, the feature of the ceremony was the reflection of the oppressive policies by the government and the president.

Referring to a government-led controversial ?homeland security package,? a bill yet to be adopted by Parliament, Peoples? Democratic Party (HDP) co...