20.02.2026 17:02
President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan made important statements at the Cemre Foundation Promotion Program. Erdoğan, who harshly criticized the recent olive tree massacre in Milas, Muğla, under the management of the CHP, stated, "Those who pretend to be environmentalists when it comes to words have condemned the cities they govern to garbage, pits, and holes while committing the massacre of olive trees in Milas. We will not give them the opportunity to make our paradise homeland uninhabitable."
President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan made important evaluations at the "Cemre Foundation Promotion Program" held at the Atatürk Cultural Center. Stating that protecting the environment would not have a political party, President Erdoğan said, "There is no political party for protecting the environment. There is no ideology for preparedness against disasters. We are never politically discriminatory in environmental projects.
We sincerely support every step and every idea that protects the environment. We have taken on the hosting of COP31.
This year, we will host nearly 200 countries in Antalya, and we will say it is time for action, not words. I wholeheartedly believe that the Cemre Foundation will support us in this struggle," he said.
"I SEND MY GREETINGS TO MY YOUNG BROTHERS"
In the meeting held on the second day of Ramadan, Erdoğan conveyed a message of unity and solidarity, saying, "I express my pleasure in being with you during the blessed month of Ramadan, which is one of the spiritual seeds of our souls; I greet you all with my heartfelt feelings, respect, and affection.
I pray to my Lord that the blessed month of Ramadan, which we are experiencing the second day of, brings goodness to our nation, the Islamic world, and all humanity together with you." he stated.
President Erdoğan referred to the youth working within the foundation as "cemre" and emphasized the importance of their efforts for Turkey and humanity.
Expressing, "I send my greetings and love to my young brothers who cannot be here but elevate and uplift this roof as a volunteer for revival and greening," Erdoğan continued:
"YOU REPRESENT MILLIONS WHO SAY I AM HERE"
"I know that you are here representing millions with environmental awareness. I know that when it comes to the environment and disaster response, when asked 'Who is here?'; you represent millions who say 'I am here!' without looking to the right or left.
Therefore, I respectfully greet all young people in Turkey who are responsible, along with you, whose sparkling eyes warm my heart and grow my hopes for the future.
On this meaningful occasion, I feel great happiness to be with you cemres, whom I believe will reach all 81 provinces of our country today and the four corners of the world tomorrow.
Sharing your excitement, being with you, looking at the same horizon with you, walking together is a separate pride for me; it is the greatest happiness. Thank you, be well."
Emphasizing that Turkey is ahead of developed countries in environmental issues, Erdoğan stated, "Our Ministry of Environment and Urbanization's doors are open to everyone. Similarly, our door is wide open to those who want to serve their country, nation, and city. There is no political party for protecting the environment. There is no ideology for preparedness against disasters.
"WE ARE AHEAD OF DEVELOPED COUNTRIES"
We always support, back, and pave the way for those who work, produce services, and benefit our people. We are particularly ahead of developed countries in being part of global organizations formed on environmental issues and being parties to agreements.
We approved the Paris Climate Agreement in our Parliament in 2021. Then, we accepted the Climate Law aimed at combating climate change in line with the vision of green growth and net zero emissions target. We continue to take all necessary steps to reach our ultimate goal of net zero emissions by 2053. The Zero Waste Project, carried out under the auspices of my wife Emine Erdoğan, has turned into a global environmental movement at this point. The framework of our environmental projects is based on the understanding of zero waste," he said.
"WHEN IT COMES TO WORDS..."
In Milas, Muğla, Erdoğan reacted to CHP officials regarding the olive trees that were cut down, saying: "When it comes to words, they act as environmentalists, but we will not allow those who manage cities that condemn to garbage, mud, and pits, and those who cause our nation to suffer from water shortages for weeks in the middle of winter due to their incompetence or greed for profit, to turn our paradise homeland into an unlivable place."
WHAT HAPPENED IN MILAS?
Following the investigation launched regarding the cutting down of numerous olive trees in Milas, Muğla, CHP District President Ahmet Kılbey resigned from his position. The governor's inspection revealed that the cutting took place on land belonging to Kılbey, while the incident sparked a public debate on "olive massacre."
When it comes to words, they act as environmentalists, but we will not allow those who manage cities that condemn our nation to garbage, mud, and pits, and those who cause our nation to suffer from water shortages for weeks due to their incompetence or excessive greed for profit, to turn our paradise homeland into an unlivable place.