25.08.2025 22:22
On the 954th anniversary of the Malazgirt Victory, President Erdoğan made notable statements to the CHP following the Cabinet meeting held in Ahlat, Bitlis, just like last year. Erdoğan said, "While citizens expect services, the sea is now over for those who have fattened themselves by exploiting the people's resources and for the greedy who have turned municipalities into family farms."
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The Presidential Cabinet was held today in the Ahlat district of Bitlis to commemorate the 954th anniversary of the Malazgirt Victory. The meeting addressed issues such as civil servant salary increases, the process of a terrorism-free Turkey, and the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where Israel's attacks continue. President Erdoğan made statements after the meeting.
Highlights from President Erdoğan's statements are as follows:
"In these days when we witness the epic of those who forge iron with iron and shape Anatolia with love, I thank each and every Ahlat brother who embraces us.
ERDOĞAN: THIS YEAR WE GATHERED OUR CABINET IN AHLAT AGAIN
We see that Ahlat is rapidly reaching the place it deserves. Thanks to the efforts of our Archers Foundation, the interest of our youth in Ahlat and Malazgirt is increasing year by year. This year, we gathered our Cabinet in Ahlat as well. We addressed many issues, especially the current developments in the economy, including the Gaza genocide. In the attack carried out by Israel on a hospital today, at least 20 Palestinians, including 5 journalists, were martyred. The Netanyahu government continues its brutal attacks without interruption.
We evaluated additional steps to be taken to stop the massacre in Gaza and to deliver more aid to the oppressed.
"THE OPPOSITION'S SABOTAGE TARGETING OUR ECONOMY DID NOT WORK"
After the operation against the 'Istanbul-based criminal organization', the opposition's sabotage targeting our economy did not work. Calls for boycotts against national brands backfired on them. They also failed in the perception they tried to create through our Central Bank. They returned empty-handed from their complaint tours abroad.
Neither the Western actors they stood before in a state of disarray nor the foreign press organizations gave them any credibility. Those who complained about the losing country to foreigners were the real losers.
"OUR STOCK MARKETS HAVE GAINED MOMENTUM"
Our Central Bank reserves reached $176.5 billion, breaking a record in our Republic's history. The recovery in our stock market has gained momentum in recent weeks. We see 2026 as a 'year of reform' in the economy and are rapidly finalizing preparations for the reforms we will implement.
"WE WILL SHARE THE MEDIUM-TERM PROGRAM WITH THE PUBLIC IN THE FIRST WEEK OF SEPTEMBER"
The industrial production index is also showing a very positive picture. In June, our industrial production increased by 0.7% compared to the previous month and by 8.3% compared to the same month last year. Thank God, there seems to be no problem in employment data. Our unemployment rate has been in single digits at 8.6% for twenty-six months. In other words, despite the hot conflicts in our region, the uncertainties in the global economy, and the negative campaigns of certain circles, we are reaping the fruits of our economic program in many areas. God willing, we will be in much better places. The Turkish economy will complete its structural transformation. We see 2026 as a year of reform in the economy and are rapidly producing preparations for the reforms we will implement. In the first week of September, we will share the medium-term program prepared with a three-year vision with the public. I would like to declare this once again from here.
"FOR THOSE WHO TURN MUNICIPALITIES INTO FAMILY FARMS, THE SEA HAS RUN DRY"
There is no problem in employment data. Our unemployment rate is in single digits. Despite the uncertainties in the global economy and the negative campaigns of certain circles, we are reaping the fruits of our economic program in many areas.
Just as we do not allow market opportunists through exorbitant prices, we do not allow political opportunists who have pinned all their hopes on the stumbling of the Turkish economy. For those who have turned municipalities into family farms, the sea has run dry.
STATEMENT ON THE ZANGEZUR CORRIDOR
Our goal is to increase our railway network to 17,500 kilometers by 2028 and to 28,600 kilometers by 2053. (Zangezur Corridor) With the realization of all elements of the project, economic cooperation between Turkey, Azerbaijan, and Armenia will gain a new dimension.
"WE ARE EXTREMELY SUCCESSFUL IN REFORESTATION AFTER FIRES"
Another area we are fighting as a country and nation is forest fires. I draw your attention to the 4,195 of the 5,473 fires that occurred this year. This has been happening since June 1. Under the coordination of our General Directorate of Forestry, our volunteers, public institutions, local governments, and non-governmental organizations intervened in the fires with a spirit of mobilization. I thank them and once again wish God's mercy on our martyrs who lost their lives in the fires and convey my condolences to their families and our nation.
Our country is not the only one facing forest fires. Throughout the summer, many countries, especially our neighbor Greece, as well as Spain, France, Portugal, Italy, the United States, and Canada, have been fighting large fires. I also extend my best wishes to friendly countries from here. I must emphasize once again. Turkey has the largest and most advanced fleet in its history with 27 planes, 105 helicopters, and nearly 6,000 ground vehicles. Despite the propaganda of chronic opposition figures trying to profit from the disasters that befall the country, Turkey is a country that is recognized worldwide for its fight against fires.
When we look at the total forest area affected by the fires, we are in a better position than almost all the countries in the same climate zone. We are also extremely successful in reforestation after fires. Among the countries that do the most reforestation, we are first in Europe and fourth in the world.
"OUR BROTHERS LIVING ABROAD ARE NOT SAND BAGS"
Our brothers living abroad are not sandbags for anyone, especially the unconscious actors of the main opposition, to play politics on as they please."
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