President Erdoğan: Touching public property is the greatest sin.

27.05.2025 15:51

President Erdoğan spoke at the 163rd anniversary program of the Court of Accounts. Referring to recent operations, Erdoğan stated, "All 86 million of our citizens have rights and shares. In our belief, betrayal of a trust is equivalent to treason. Misappropriating public property and infringing on the rights of others is one of the greatest sins. It is absolutely unacceptable."

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Due to the 163rd anniversary of the Court of Accounts, a program was held at the Conference Hall of the Court of Accounts Presidency. In his statement here, Erdoğan said that the primary duty of the state is to serve the citizens. Stating that "Weak, unhealthy, and uncontrolled budget management poses a serious existential threat to both the state and the nation," Erdoğan emphasized the importance of the Court of Accounts.

"PUBLIC PROPERTY SHOULD NOT BE ABUSED"

Erdoğan also warned against the abuse of public property.

Stating that "We welcome the investigations carried out recently. Every step that will free Turkey from its burdens will benefit our country," Erdoğan said, "Whether appointed or elected, everyone performing a public duty is obliged to protect the trust of the nation. If there is an illegality, it must be accounted for first to the judiciary and then to the nation. Touching public property is one of the greatest sins, as it infringes on the rights of others."

Highlights from President Erdoğan's speech are as follows:

The Court of Accounts has been serving as one of the most critical institutions in our country for exactly 163 years. I congratulate all members of the Court of Accounts who add value to this esteemed institution. The primary duty of the state is to serve the citizens. The most important condition for serving the nation is to ensure justice. The effective and efficient use of resources is equally important. Financial management and auditing play a vital role. Weak, unhealthy, and uncontrolled budget management poses a serious existential threat to the state and the nation. Our presidency of the Court of Accounts carries out this strong duty with integrity.

"TO TOUCH PUBLIC PROPERTY IS ONE OF THE GREATEST SINS"

The defense of the state treasury is under the responsibility of the Court of Accounts on behalf of our nation. Every one of our 86 million citizens has rights and shares. In our belief, disloyalty to a trust is equivalent to betrayal. Touching public property is one of the greatest sins, as it infringes on the rights of others.

"NO ONE IS ABOVE THE LAW IN TURKEY"

Every public employee, regardless of whether they are a superior or a subordinate, must act meticulously. The careless, disproportionate, unlawful, or wasteful use of public property is absolutely unacceptable for us. Producing maximum benefit from public resources is our top priority. We expect our members of the Court of Accounts to fulfill this with care. No one is above the law in Turkey. Whether appointed or elected, everyone performing a public duty is obliged to protect public property. It must be accounted for first to the judiciary and then to the nation. Those who do not drink raw milk do not suffer from stomach or head pain.

"WE WELCOME THE INVESTIGATIONS"

Although some may be uncomfortable, we welcome the investigations carried out recently. We do not look at the tears of those who eat the rights of the nation. We will not allow the abuse of public property. We will continue to support positive steps taken within the framework of the opportunities and obligations provided by our Constitution.

With the Court of Accounts Law we enacted in 2010, we brought those using public resources under the scope of audit. The auditing and recording of state properties became one of the most important reforms.