Erdogan: "While We Work with Noble Excitement, the Opposition Chases Despair"

At the AK Party's 8th Ordinary Provincial Congress held in Balıkesir, President and AK Party Chairman Recep Tayyip Erdoğan made important statements. Erdoğan provided a detailed assessment regarding the explosion at the ammunition production facility in the Karesi district and the political developments across the country.

President Erdoğan began his speech by expressing his condolences to those who lost their lives in the explosion in Karesi district. He extended his wishes for patience to the families of the deceased and noted that swift action was taken after the explosion, with relevant ministers sent to the city immediately. "On the day of the explosion, we quickly sent our Ministers of Defense, Interior, and Labor to our city. Judicial and administrative investigations regarding the incident were initiated immediately. On Wednesday, our Ministers of Justice, Family, and Social Policies visited our city to meet the injured," Erdoğan stated, adding that he would also visit to convey his condolences to the grieving families.

Erdoğan emphasized that a comprehensive investigation was underway to uncover the causes of the explosion, announcing that ten individuals were initially detained. He underscored that those found negligent would be punished, stating, "Let no family who has lost someone, and no Balıkesir brother doubt this." Criticizing the politicization of the incident, Erdoğan described the unfortunate statements made by the opposition immediately after the event as an exploitation of the pain.

Addressing political developments and opposition criticism, President Erdoğan highlighted the responsibilities undertaken by the AK Party throughout the 102-year history of the Republic, emphasizing the significance of the achievements during this period. "In the last 22 years of our Republic's 102-year history, the honor of serving our nation has, thank God, fallen to the AK Party and this team before me," Erdoğan said, citing examples of past political crises. He expressed that they had faced many challenges from the Gezi events to the July 15 coup attempt, stating that with the support of the nation, they had thwarted insidious operations during these times.

Erdoğan also addressed Turkey's stance on the Syrian crisis, stating that the Syrians hosted in the country are being protected in the name of humanity. He mentioned that security in Syria would allow those who wish to return to their homeland, criticizing those who target refugees for political gain. "There are even those who, trying to win elections by targeting these oppressed people during the elections from May 14-28, resemble Hitler," Erdoğan noted, emphasizing that the nation did not give in to such approaches at the ballot box.

Speaking about the future vision of the AK Party and the vision of the Century of Turkey, Erdoğan expressed the great importance they place on the grand congress. He stated that Turkey's strength lies in unity and solidarity, adding, "Our nation did not allow racist and fascist hatred at the ballot box." The objective for the upcoming period is to overcome problems that threaten national unity and solidarity, especially terrorism.

Erdoğan indicated that they are working on various projects to further advance Turkey's vision. "While we are working with such a noble excitement, the opposition, which has no good services to offer to the country, is chasing after dragging our nation into a quagmire of hopelessness," he criticized. He noted that starting from 2025, steps would be taken in every field to bring Turkey closer to the goals of the Century of Turkey. Calling for unity to preserve the country’s gains, Erdoğan stated that politicians should avoid negatively affecting the future of the nation.