President Erdoğan: We want the new constitution not for Erdoğan, but for 86 million people.

29.05.2025 13:20

President Erdoğan, in statements made on the plane returning from Azerbaijan, addressed the work on the new constitution. Responding to the opposition's accusations that "they want a new constitution to pave a new way for himself," Erdoğan stated, "We want the new constitution not for Tayyip Erdoğan, but for 86 million people. We have concerns. I must express that this is definitely a trap."

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President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan made important statements to journalists on the plane returning from Azerbaijan, where he went for Independence Day celebrations.

Expressing his pleasure at visiting Karabakh once again after 30 years of occupation, President Erdoğan stated, "We see that Azerbaijan continues its development and reconstruction mobilization at full speed in every corner of Karabakh. The contribution of many companies from our country to these reconstruction efforts is a separate source of pride for us."

Erdoğan explained that they held the second summit of the regional consultation mechanism between Turkey, Azerbaijan, and Pakistan with the participation of Pakistani Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif, and stated that the ministers in the delegation met with their counterparts to discuss current issues.

MEETINGS BETWEEN THREE COUNTRIES

Stating that Turkey is in intense cooperation with both Azerbaijan and Pakistan at all levels, Erdoğan said, "In our consultations with them, we exchanged ideas not only on bilateral issues but also on regional developments concerning the three countries. We evaluated topics such as trade, investments, energy cooperation, food security, and the East-West middle corridor through the Caspian."

AZERBAIJAN-ARMENIA RELATIONS

Emphasizing the great importance they attach to stability and peace in the South Caucasus, Erdoğan stated that they welcomed the recent steps taken between Azerbaijan and Armenia.

Erdoğan used the expression, "We see the agreement on the peace treaty text as an important development on the road to stability," and noted that they wish for the process to conclude as soon as possible.

PAKISTAN-INDIA TENSION

Erdoğan expressed satisfaction with the ceasefire decision taken in the tension between Pakistan and India, and continued:

"The opportunity presented by the ceasefire should be maximally utilized to establish direct and healthy dialogue between the two sides. If the parties desire, we will not hesitate to do whatever is necessary for the sustainability of stability in South Asia."

The questions posed to President Erdoğan by journalists and his answers are as follows:

QUESTION: What is the significance of the tripartite summit you held here today and the opening of the International Lachin Airport in terms of regional cooperation? In which areas will these cooperations progress?

People suffered greatly during the years of occupation in this region. Those bad days are now behind us. The Lachin region is in a key position for strengthening transportation and logistics infrastructure in the reconstruction process in Karabakh. The Lachin Airport is very important in terms of accelerating the development of the region. Tourism and trade opportunities will develop with this international airport. International investors will no longer face access issues in the region. The traces of war and occupation will quickly be erased from this region. This step, which is one of the symbols of the normalization process in Karabakh, is also of great importance for the stability of the region. The airport will elevate the region's transportation infrastructure to another level. I believe this airport, which will connect the region to the world, will also prepare Lachin and its surroundings for a prosperous future. The airport will not only bring potential to the region it is located in but will also create a movement within all of Azerbaijan. These infrastructure investments will also pave the way for peace. As Turkey and Azerbaijan, we are developing cooperations in many areas, especially in defense, energy, agriculture, and livestock. Full independence in food is a national security issue. Both the pandemic and water wars and regional crises have once again demonstrated the importance of supply security to the whole world. We are working with all our strength to make Turkey a production hub. Now, we want to establish much tighter cooperations with Azerbaijan regarding food supply security. I believe this cooperation will also serve as a beacon for our other brother countries that are members of the Turkic States Organization. We will prioritize brother countries in products where we have a surplus. Together, we will produce more and walk towards the future more solidly by sharing more.

"WE ARE EXPERIENCING A CAUTIOUS NORMALIZATION PROCESS WITH ARMENIA"

QUESTION: You briefly touched on the Azerbaijan-Armenia peace issue in the Caucasus. What stage is the process at? Because you say that the Lachin Airport will contribute to the region. I am curious about the current status of the Zangezur Corridor and whether Iran has a barrier to this at this stage. Lastly, there was a matter called the "Lachin Corridor." We discussed this during the war. Is there a possibility of this corridor opening as well?

We want to see peace and tranquility, not conflict, in the South Caucasus. A lasting peace in the region will benefit everyone. We are pleased to see a peace on the horizon between Azerbaijan and Armenia. We are closely following this process. We are also providing the necessary contributions. The peace that will be established will be valuable for Azerbaijan, Armenia, and our country. We are also experiencing a cautious normalization process with Armenia. When both peace and normalization are achieved, we will see that our countries will benefit from this. So there is no slightest concern in this regard. As for the Zangezur issue... The Zangezur Passage is not only Azerbaijan's land connection with Nakhchivan but also a new integration line extending to the Turkic world through Turkey. The opening of this passage in a short time will also strengthen the transportation and energy infrastructure in the Caucasus. We expect our neighbor Iran to support these steps that will serve peace, tranquility, and development in our region. We sincerely wish for them to benefit from this "win-win" climate. Every step taken, every door opened, every corridor will not only provide economic gains but will also gradually bring countries closer together.

"WE ARE IN CONTACT WITH BOTH RUSSIA AND UKRAINE"

QUESTION: Since the beginning of the Russia-Ukraine War, Turkey has been conducting intense diplomatic traffic to achieve a lasting ceasefire. Most recently, on May 16, the parties sat down at the negotiation table once again. How do you see the new process? How far is peace?

The Russia-Ukraine War has turned into a multi-layered crisis involving not only the two countries but also global actors. As you know, our Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan was in Russia. As a result of his meetings in Moscow, today Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov made a statement. Lavrov said they want the second round of talks between Russia and Ukraine to be held in Istanbul. Thus, the Istanbul peace process will hopefully start again. This statement by Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov should not be taken lightly. This statement has further increased our hope for peace. We continue to strive for peace and will continue to do so.

We are in contact with both Russia and Ukraine. We see the momentum we have gained as a permanent peace opportunity. In every meeting, we remind all our counterparts that this opportunity should not be missed. While the door is ajar, we say let’s not close it. The solution lies in more dialogue and more diplomacy. We are using all our diplomatic power and potential for peace. It is both a humanitarian duty and in the interest of our country to extinguish this great fire in our region. I hope that as a result of our peace efforts, we will also reach the reconciliation we desire. Throughout the four-year process, the whole world has seen that this war has fundamentally changed Europe's security architecture and especially its energy policies. The European Union's search for new ways to reduce its energy dependence on Russia has also increased the geopolitical value of transit countries like Turkey.

PEACELESS TURKEY: WE ARE CAUTIOUS AGAINST THOSE WHO WANT TO POISON THE PROCESS

QUESTION: Has the PKK terrorist organization started to lay down arms? In this context, how do you evaluate the statements and developments of the terrorist organization after the dissolution decision? Also, how do you assess the current state of the SDG-Damascus relations?

The territorial integrity, unitary structure, and national unity of Syria must be preserved. We have previously expressed that we welcome the reached consensus positively. But we see that the Syrian Democratic Forces are still continuing their delaying tactics. They must abandon this. We are closely monitoring the implementation of the decisions taken. The essence is to implement the words in accordance with the timeline in the agreement. Our meetings with Syrian President Mr. Ahmed Shara have been in this direction. Thank God, there seems to be no problem or trouble in the process of a peace-free Turkey. Developments are continuing in a positive direction. Despite a few dissenting voices, the messages given are quite reasonable, positive, and constructive. Of course, with each new stage, our hopes also increase. Our friends' meetings with Syria are also ongoing. We are cautious against those who want to poison the process. We will not give them the opportunity. Because our goal is very clear. This goal is to get rid of the terrorist problem that has caused us to lose our most valuable treasure, our people, and has wasted years of time for Turkey, which has also benefited Turkey's enemies. We have covered a distance that we have never taken until now. God willing, we will reach our goal of a peace-free Turkey. Everything we do, we do for our country, Turkey. Everything we do, we do for the peace and safety of our nation. We will never be part of a bargain that would disturb our nation. We trust our people, we trust the power of brotherhood.

NEW CONSTITUTION WORK: A PROMISE TO OUR NATION, NO BACKING DOWN

QUESTION: You have formed a team of legal experts for the new constitution studies. How will this team work, and is there a timeline? When will Turkey have a new constitution? Do you have any non-negotiables? Also, how do you evaluate the CHP's unconstructive attitude?

A new and civilian constitution is a promise we made to our nation. There is no backing down from this. We are not the only ones who made this promise. Many have spoken, and they all said "civil constitution, civil constitution." Almost all parties and leaders promised our nation a new constitution in the election squares. So, is there a point reached? No. Because they make promises but take no steps. While we have taken concrete steps in this regard, we have also made our preparations. These preparations have created a foundation for the new constitution. The team we have assigned will hopefully carry out a very meticulous study. As of now, we want to provide our country with a long-term constitution that will carry our country into the Turkey Century, beyond political interests. I have assigned 11 of our friends regarding this issue. After the holiday, they will hopefully start these studies. We want a text that is free from tutelary traces, will strengthen democratic legitimacy, and will guarantee rights and freedoms. The language of the current constitution is already problematic. We want to prepare a constitution that is not problematic, but rather simple, understandable, and practical. These legal friends, such as our professor Serap Yazıcı Özbudun, are already people who have worked on the constitution. We want to carry out these studies together with them. We are well-intentioned and expect a good-faith approach from the other side. We say, "let's fulfill the promise we made to the nation together." Because the constitution is a social contract that encompasses not just one party, but the entire nation. For this reason, we are looking for the broadest consensus here. Unfortunately, the CHP's usual "we don't want it" approach has manifested itself in this matter as well. Politics shapes around the entire society. If the CHP presents a conciliatory approach here, why shouldn't we work with them? We would. But unfortunately, such an approach is not present.

"THIS IS DEFINITELY A TRAP"

QUESTION: The discussion about the presidential candidacy related to the new constitution has come up. You also stated, "I have no concern about candidacy." Following this, MHP leader Devlet Bahçeli made a comment. He said, "A president whose concern is the homeland and the nation has no right to deviate from his path." This has been discussed for weeks. There are also those who say, "The president will really not be a candidate." Let's hear your comments on Mr. Bahçeli's statements about you, and perhaps you can provide a clearer commentary on this candidacy discussion.

What we are saying here is this; our desire for a new constitution is not to open up space for ourselves, to gain individual benefits, or to elevate ourselves somewhere. Let me clarify this in advance. We want the new constitution not for Tayyip Erdoğan, but for 86 million people. We have a concern. The opposition constantly accuses us of wanting a new constitution to open a new path for ourselves. I must express that this is definitely a trap. We are aware of our obligations regarding the future of Turkey. We are taking our steps accordingly. We approach the current discussions in the context of our historical duties and responsibilities. My nation made me the Mayor, made me the Prime Minister, made me the President. Wherever our nation wants to see us, we have been there. Today, we act with the same sensitivity. Our concern has never been about office rooms, chairs, or titles. We have only one goal, which is to provide the service that our esteemed nation deserves and to build a great and strong Turkey. We have entered every competition relying solely on our nation. Today and tomorrow, we will again listen to our nation. We will shape our direction along the route they draw. I thank Mr. Bahçeli for his words directed at me. I was truly pleased and honored. Mr. Bahçeli, with his experience and knowledge, is the elder of Turkish nationalism. He has displayed a very valuable stance for the unity and solidarity of the People's Alliance and the survival of our state.

BLACK SEA NATURAL GAS DISCOVERY: NOT JUST AN ECONOMIC BUT A STRATEGIC GAIN

QUESTION: Recently, you announced the discovery of 75 billion cubic meters of natural gas. Turkey has become a country that continues its energy activities both within its borders and abroad. What is the current status of these efforts? Will you announce new discoveries in different locations soon? Additionally, Turkey aims to be an energy and trade center. What are the latest developments regarding this?

Turkey will continue on its path without settling for the successes it has achieved in the energy sector. Every success we achieve in the energy field is not only an economic gain but also a strategic one. The discovery of 75 billion cubic meters of natural gas is the result of our intensive and planned efforts in the Black Sea. Turkey is no longer just a country that imports energy; it has become a country that discovers energy and has the potential to export it. Each new discovery, each new energy line makes Turkey's goal of becoming an "energy trade center" attainable. It brings us to a much better position, and it will continue to do so. After the Russia-Ukraine War, we saw the dire situation that European Union countries fell into regarding energy, which is very bad. To avoid falling into such a situation, we are walking steadily towards our goal of reducing dependence on strategic resources like natural gas. Moreover, thanks to these discoveries, Turkey is becoming one of the energy players in its region. Our country, which is at the center of energy transition lines, will not only be a transit route with the increase in our natural gas production but will also become a center for pricing, storage, and trade. As a government that introduces Turkey to historic good news in the energy sector, we will have new announcements. As the time comes, we will share our good news regarding this strategic area with our nation. Tomorrow, we will have crossed an important milestone related to production. Our floating transmission platform, named Osmangazi, will move to the Black Sea. Inshallah, it will produce gas from the Sakarya Gas Field for 20 years and deliver it to the shore, meeting the gas needs of nearly 4.5 million households from here. On April 1, we brought gas from Turkmenistan to Turkey for the first time in 27 years. We receive very intense requests for natural gas from European leaders who call us during our foreign visits. We have reached a point where we can export natural gas to Bulgaria, Romania, Hungary, and Serbia. After our visit to Pakistan in February, our friends went to Pakistan, and Turkey Petroleum agreed with Pakistani State Companies to explore two fields on land in Pakistan. Today, we reached an agreement on offshore exploration, and we will soon start our work. Our activities in Somalia continue. Inshallah, we will intensify these efforts along with Libya and other countries.

'POPULATION CRISIS' MEASURES

QUESTION: Your "Family 10 Years" approach indicates new and strong steps in this regard. What measures will be taken against the looming "population crisis" in the upcoming period?

"Family 10 Years" vision is not just a demographic strategy. It will be a comprehensive state policy that includes profound transformations in social, cultural, and economic terms. The population issue is a strategic matter that should never be neglected. This should not be taken lightly. Our greatest asset is our population, but unfortunately, this issue has always been pushed aside. The population issue is a matter that directly concerns the future of our country and should be addressed with seriousness. We are aware of the covert and overt attacks on the family institution, which is the foundation of society. If you want to build the future, you must grow and strengthen the family. All the successes we have achieved so far have been possible thanks to our dynamic population structure and strong families. From now on, we must take measures that will strengthen our family structure and maintain our dynamic population characteristic. We will go beyond our limits to protect our families from perversions and bad habits that lead societies to disaster and tear families apart. Especially the decline in our fertility rate indicates that alarm bells are ringing. We cannot ignore this. To sustain Turkey's young population advantage, it is necessary to support the family institution, increase fertility rates, and strengthen family structure. The aging of the population is a crisis faced not only by Turkey but also by many developed countries. Therefore, we want to address this process with preventive policies without waiting. While strengthening the family institution, we will also remove the obstacles that our youth face in establishing strong families. We will increase incentives to pave the way for happy marriages and ensure healthy population growth. Family-focused social support, birth incentive packages, investments in childcare and education infrastructure, housing and employment support are our main measures implemented in this context. As a requirement of being a social state, we must strengthen, protect, and elevate the family. We will continue to increase our economic and social support projects. We are aware that declining birth rates can lead to a chain of problems such as labor market contraction, burden on the social security system, and decrease in production capacity. The measures we take today to eliminate these risks will determine the level of prosperity in the future. With these policies, we aim for a noticeable increase in fertility rates in the medium term. Thus, we will not only ensure population growth but also guarantee the sustainability of a strong and healthy family structure.