29.10.2026 22:08
Speaking after the Cabinet meeting, President Erdoğan made a striking statement in reference to the protest demonstrations taking place in European countries. Erdoğan said, "If there are those who, emboldened by the events in some European countries, dream of a similar attempt, let them know that Turkey has never been in the streets. Nor is it a country to be handed over to the streets. Those who until just yesterday were threatening newspapers and televisions should not teach us press freedom."
In a statement after the Cabinet meeting, President Erdoğan sent striking messages regarding the ongoing protests in many European countries, especially France and Italy. Saying that there are those in Türkiye as well who dream similar dreams about what is happening in Europe, Erdoğan stated that Türkiye cannot be surrendered to the street.
ERDOĞAN: TÜRKİYE HAS NEVER BEEN IN THE STREET
Erdoğan said: “Look, I have said this before. Removing politics from democratic ground and competition in consensus and turning it almost into a feud between adversaries is an approach that is as wrong as it is dangerous.
I see the war jargon that the opposition has recently latched onto—whose purpose and whom it serves are unclear, but which very obviously does not serve Türkiye—as one of the most blatant examples of this irresponsibility. Türkiye, thank God, is a country where peace and tranquility prevail in every inch. Türkiye is a country where 86 million people live in unity and harmony as brothers, an island of tranquility in its region. But if there are those who, taking courage from the events in some European countries, dream of a similar attempt, let them know that Türkiye has never been in the street. Nor is it a country to be surrendered to the street.
“LET THEM FIRST DISCLOSE THE DIRTY RELATIONS THEY HAVE ENGAGED IN”
Those who attack our government under the pretext of press freedom should, before trying to cover up their guilt with demonstrations, come out, if they can, and disclose the dirty relations they have engaged in. Let no one take offense. Those who until just yesterday openly threatened press organizations, journalists, and television channels in the squares cannot give us lessons on press freedom.
“TÜRKİYE WILL NOT ALLOW OPERATIONS TO BE CARRIED OUT AGAINST IT”
We have no problem with either press freedom or critical voices. Türkiye is one of the world's most advanced countries in terms of media diversity. In terms of the number of television channels, our country ranks among the top in Europe. Hundreds of television channels and thousands of radio channels from every viewpoint broadcast freely in our country. As long as it does not contain insults, lies, and disinformation, anyone says, writes, and speaks whatever they want. We also see this as a symbol of Türkiye's sociological diversity and welcome different voices. But like all democratic countries in the world, Türkiye does not and cannot allow operations to be carried out against it through shady relations.
I would like to remind you once again of this fundamental truth. Whether we are in power or in opposition, we are all people obliged to serve the country and the nation. Our positions, titles, and all the distinctions we hold today are nothing but means given to us by our nation to serve it. Türkiye must be all our priority. The peace and stability of our country must be our priority. As a nation, we must not give an opportunity to those who rub their hands together to disrupt the environment of stability and trust that we have achieved with great difficulty after many long years.
“OUR RETIREES ARE THE CROWN OF OUR HEADS”
We have sincerely expressed many times before that we are aware of the difficulties experienced by our retirees. On this issue, we have always endeavored to be constructive and to do our best, even at the cost of pushing the conditions. God willing, in the 2027 budget we are creating the financial means to somewhat improve the situation of our retirees, who are the crown of our heads. For this, we hope to implement the necessary legal arrangement within the framework of justice and fairness, with the appreciation of our Grand National Assembly of Türkiye, by the end of the year.
Agriculture is a sector of high strategic importance for our country. We have allocated a total of 1 trillion 305 billion lira to agriculture, and 658 billion lira to our real sector supports, excluding agricultural loan subsidy support. We have set a total of 3 trillion 454 billion lira for our defense and security expenditures, of which 2 trillion 206 billion lira is for defense and 1 trillion 248 billion lira is for internal security. We have allocated 2 trillion 384 billion lira in resources to our metropolitan and other municipalities and provincial special administrations. We have allocated 2 trillion 849 billion lira, corresponding to 10.4 percent of our 2027 budget, to investments. I wish our new budget to be beneficial and auspicious for our country and nation from now on.
“WE DO NOT WANT TO PAY THE PRICE OF A WAR STARTED BY OTHERS”
The possibility of an attack on Iran has caused fuel prices to rise. All kinds of steps should be avoided. We do not want to see new areas of tension and conflict in our region. We also do not want to pay the price of a war started by others. Although our economy has the capacity to overcome this great ordeal, which constantly keeps our region on edge, with the least possible damage, what our region needs most now is for an environment of stability to prevail.
This ancient geography, which has hosted civilizations for centuries and shaped the history of humanity, fully deserves peace, stability, and security. What is important for us here is to continue our efforts on this path by increasing them, without losing stability, without deviating from the course, and without slowing our pace. We will, of course, overcome the difficulties we are experiencing today for different reasons. By believing in and trusting one another, God willing, we will build our bright tomorrows together.”