President Erdoğan: There are also sabotage and intentions in the forest fires.

28.07.2025 17:40

After the cabinet meeting, President Erdoğan addressed the cameras and spoke about the forest fires that have been ongoing across the country for days. Erdoğan stated, "We have paid and are paying the price for the negligence that is seen as insignificant. 96% of the fires are human-caused. There are also acts of sabotage and intent. 149 suspects have been detained, and 38 people have been arrested."

The Presidential Cabinet Meeting has concluded. The meeting, held at the Presidential Complex under the chairmanship of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, lasted for 2 hours and 15 minutes.

STATEMENTS FROM ERDOĞAN AFTER THE CABINET MEETING

After the Cabinet meeting, President Erdoğan addressed the cameras and made statements. In his speech, Erdoğan devoted significant attention to the ongoing forest fires that have been continuing for days.

Key points from Erdoğan's statements are as follows:

"I once again pray for the mercy of Allah for our 5 forest workers and 5 AKUT volunteers who were martyred last week in Eskişehir. I express my gratitude on behalf of my country and nation to all the guardians of our green homeland for their sacrifices. I pray for the mercy of the Almighty for the two Mehmetçiks who were martyred in Hatay, İskenderun due to excessive fluid loss.

"INVESTIGATIONS CONTINUE REGARDING BOTH INCIDENTS"

Investigations regarding both incidents are ongoing. The reasons for these two events, which have saddened us all, will be clarified in detail as soon as possible, and necessary actions will be taken if there is any negligence. Our state stands by the families of the martyrs. May our nation once again be consoled.

"WE ARE IN A MULTIFACETED INITIATIVE ACROSS A BROAD SPECTRUM"

As a country, we are in a multifaceted initiative across a broad spectrum ranging from health to education, justice to security, agriculture to industry, and tourism to defense. Highways, airports, hospitals, schools, universities, housing projects, and many more adorn our homeland as milestones on our journey of development. All units of our state are fulfilling their duties to the nation in complete harmony.

"THE PATH AND FATE OF OUR COUNTRY ARE BRIGHT"

We are moving step by step towards our goals without getting caught up in the obstacles and traps set before us. No matter what the disaster mongers say, the path and fate of our country are bright. We are closer to our ideal of a great and strong Turkey than ever before. We are aware that along with difficulties, there are also conveniences awaiting us. We are determined to continue our struggle to bring Turkey to bright tomorrows without faltering or collapsing.

STATEMENT ON A TERROR-FREE TURKEY

We had the opportunity to consult on developments in foreign policy. We discussed the increasing forest fires in our country along with the whole world. We evaluated the recent positive news we received, especially regarding the increase in our country's credit rating and Central Bank reserves. We reviewed the current situation regarding a terror-free Turkey. We made important decisions in all areas that will bring our country a little closer to its goals.

On Friday, July 18, we were at the graduation ceremony of our officers at the National Defense University. We witnessed the graduation excitement of a total of 241 officers, including 80 military guests and personnel from friendly and brotherly countries. We opened 6 new mosques that have been completed for worship. On July 20, we were in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus. While celebrating the Cyprus Peace Operation with great enthusiasm, we commemorated our heroic martyrs with mercy. We crowned our visit with the opening of the Lefkoşa North Ring Road Bridge Junction and the Maraş Health Center. We will always be by the side of the Turkish Cypriots as they take steps towards a prosperous future.

IDEF 2025

On July 22, we were in Istanbul to inaugurate the 17th International Defense Industry Fair, IDEF. There was tremendous interest in our fair, which is one of the top three most effective and comprehensive organizations in the world. 103 countries, 231 delegations, and 980 delegation members participated in IDEF 2025. A total of 1491 companies, including 907 domestic and 584 foreign, showcased nearly 5000 products. More than 1100 of these were introduced for the first time.

"WE WILL CONTINUE OUR DEFENSE INVESTMENTS WITHOUT SLOWING DOWN"

At Ataköy Marina, 18 different naval platforms were exhibited. A total of 270 signing ceremonies were held, with 65% of the signatures being export-oriented. On one hand, we confirmed our determination to increase our deterrence within the scope of our needs, and on the other hand, we are committed to realizing our projects. We will continue our defense investments, which we have raised above 80% in the last 23 years, without slowing down.

"THE MAIN OPPOSITION SHOULD SUCCEED IN BECOMING A TURKISH PARTY"

If the claim that the leader of the main opposition party is complaining about his country in front of the cameras while supporting it behind closed doors is true, it is a valuable step towards the localization and nationalization of the opposition. We would not be disturbed by this at all. We would be pleased to see the opposition rid itself of the habit of denigrating its own country, which is not found in any political party in the world. If we see a concrete expression of this, we will not hesitate to appreciate and congratulate them. As long as they succeed in becoming a Turkish party, as long as they refrain from harming this country and nation.

"THE PEACE TABLE WILL BE ESTABLISHED IN TURKEY"

As crises, conflicts, wars, and tensions continue to increase in our vicinity, we, as Turkey, are accelerating our peace diplomacy. We have adopted a balanced, fair, and peace-promoting policy in the Russia-Ukraine war. The grain corridor and prisoner exchanges are the results of our belief in peace. After the first round of negotiations held on May 16, a mutual exchange of 1000 prisoners took place. Following the second round on June 2, the remains of about 7060 Ukrainian soldiers were exchanged for the remains of 97 Russian soldiers.

"THIS BLOODY WAR WILL COME TO AN END"

In the third round of negotiations held on July 23, facilitated by our Minister of Foreign Affairs, the exchange of prisoners was agreed upon for at least 1200 people. We believe that this war must end now. I emphasize at every opportunity that we are ready to host. Just as the negotiation table was established in Istanbul, the peace table will also be established in Turkey in the near future, and this bloody war will come to an end.

We shared the graduation joy of 8,238 students who completed their training in different units of our police academy. We have no tolerance for our police and judiciary being targeted for exposing bribery, extortion, and looting schemes. Those who are angry at those who catch thieves and bribe-takers red-handed must either prove their conspiracy claims or apologize to the law enforcement and judiciary members.

"WE ARE NOT ENGAGING IN CHEAP POPULISM LIKE THE OPPOSITION"

A terror-free Turkey is also a project of our government, our state, and most importantly, our nation. It is the longing and expectation of all 86 million. We see that this dream is gradually coming true. There should be no concern. God willing, this path we have taken will lead us to a Turkey that is strong in democracy and economy. We are aware of how great our responsibilities are. We are neither engaging in hope trading nor cheap populism like the opposition.

"WE ARE WORKING HARD NOT TO DISAPPOINT HOPES"

Our nation closely observes our sincere and genuine struggle, praying for us to reach our destination safely and soundly.

The slanders of those who feed on terror and violence are being shattered against the vast foresight and insight of our nation. A great atmosphere of optimism prevails in our Eastern and Southeastern regions. We are working tirelessly to ensure that hopes are not dashed. We emphasize the importance of continuing the process transparently and with participation.

"THERE IS NO EXCUSE FOR DILUTING THE PROCESS"

We have clearly expressed our desire for all political parties in the Parliament to contribute constructively to the Terror-Free Turkey activities. Last week, our MIT President made various visits in the Grand National Assembly of Turkey. We have closely followed the statements made. Turkey's struggle to break free from the shackles of terror should not be sacrificed to petty disputes and different calculations of fate. Many things in politics can be accidental, but there is no excuse for stubbornness on this issue, for dragging the process, or for trying to dilute it. Neither the nation nor history will forgive this.

"THE TERROR-FREE TURKEY PROCESS IS AN UNPARALLELED OPPORTUNITY, ESPECIALLY FOR THE MAIN OPPOSITION"

The Terror-Free Turkey process is an unparalleled opportunity for the main opposition party to atone for its past sins. Evaluating this opportunity will serve as a means to assess the mistakes made. It is the expectation of our nation that the main opposition positions itself on the right side of history. The Terror-Free Turkey process will be an important reference for this. We welcome the efforts of our Speaker of the Parliament in this regard. I believe that in such a struggle that will shape the future of our country, which concerns all 86 million of us, the awareness of national responsibility will ultimately prevail. We reiterate our call for cooperation to resolve this issue in a lasting way with both the government and the opposition.

"FIRES HAVE BECOME A GLOBAL ISSUE"

As a result of climate change, the increase in forest fires has become a global issue. The last 9 years have been the hottest 9 years since 1880. Last year was recorded as the hottest year in the last 145 years. According to the UN, a 14% increase in forest fires is expected by 2030 and a 50% increase by 2050. A total of 238,000 hectares have burned on the continent.

"WE ARE TAKING EVERY MEASURE TO PROTECT OUR FORESTS"

Compared to last year, the area burned in Europe has increased by nearly 2 times. Looking at the drought maps for the first 6 months of this year, we are experiencing the driest days in the last 5 years in our country. The highest temperature recorded was 50 degrees in some places. As a state, we are making all our plans based on these alarming data. We are taking every measure to protect our forests against threats. Our Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry has conducted information activities in all our villages sensitive to fire since autumn.

"OUR AIR AND GROUND FLEET IS READY FOR FIRES"

With the addition of new vehicles and equipment, our air and ground fleet has been made ready for fires. 27 planes, 105 helicopters, and nearly 6,000 ground vehicles have been deployed at 65 points across the country, with 1,600 points covered. Our forest organization has been on alert since May 1 with 25,000 fire personnel and 132,000 volunteers if needed. With 14 UAVs and 776 observation towers, we monitor 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and detect fires within 2 minutes when they occur.

"WE ARE ONE OF TWO COUNTRIES USING UAVs IN FOREST FIRES"

We are one of two countries using UAVs in this field. With our own developed early warning system, we identify risky areas and increase precautions. Our fire management aircraft, Otağ, is a testament to how much importance we attach to this issue. Thanks to the technologies we possess, we have reduced the initial response time to fires to 10-11 minutes. The number of fire ponds and pools has reached 4,796 to allow our air and ground vehicles to take water more quickly. Our aerial water dropping capacity has increased from 73 tons in 2002 to 438 tons today.

"THERE IS SABOTAGE AND INTENT IN FIRES"

With the strongest air and ground fleet in our history, we have fought against 4,247 fires since the beginning of the year. 3,102 of these occurred since June 1. We have brought all but two ongoing fires under control. 96% of the fires were human-caused. We collectively pay the price for often trivial negligence, from cigarette butts to picnic fires, and from glass left in the forest to burning stubble. There are also, albeit few, acts of sabotage and intent.

"38 PEOPLE HAVE BEEN ARRESTED"

149 suspects have been detained, 38 people have been arrested, and judicial control measures have been issued for 61 individuals. A person previously processed for FETÖ is believed to have started the fire in Bursa. I pray for the mercy of Allah for our 3 volunteers who were martyred due to an accident involving a water tanker in Bursa Kestel.

When we compare the results of our rapid and effective intervention in fires with other countries, we see it very clearly. Our country is in a much better situation with a rate of 0.017 compared to Spain, Italy, Greece, Portugal, the USA, and Canada. We have more aircraft than all the countries in the Mediterranean region. We are taking additional measures and will continue to do so. This is a war and a defense of a green homeland. We are doing what is necessary and will continue to do so.

We will do this despite those who try to gain political advantage from the disasters that befall the country. We will continue this struggle. We cannot win this war without our nation. In this war, we expect the support and effort of all 86 million.

"WE WILL ORGANIZE THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WITH AFAD"

We have 30 metropolitan cities. As a President who comes from the municipality, firefighting is the responsibility of the metropolitan municipalities. The metropolitan municipalities will undertake this task by establishing their fire departments in the most ideal way. Besides the 30 metropolitan cities, we have 51 provinces. From now on, we will organize this work with AFAD in all 51 provinces. AFAD will organize itself in the best and strongest way in 51 provinces, thus organizing all 81 provinces. AFAD will plan the water tankers, tractors, and whatever resources it has in the strongest way across all 51 provinces.

Our AFAD organization will further increase its current strength and responsibilities, and thus, wherever any kind of disaster occurs in Turkey, AFAD will respond everywhere as it has been doing. I congratulate my young brothers who are sweating in the field to protect our forests and help our brothers affected by disasters. I leave those who are competing to grab logs from floods to the nation.

We will be one, we will unite, we will be strong and alive, and we will never fall for the games of the merchants of discord who spread hatred from their tongues and keyboards. I believe we will receive good news as soon as possible from the ongoing fires. I hope our Cabinet meeting will be a blessing for our country.