19.04.2025 15:21
In a statement at the 5th Ordinary General Assembly of KADEM held at the Atatürk Cultural Center, President Erdoğan drew attention to the decline in the population growth rate, stating, "If the current trend continues, our population is expected to decrease by 10 million. Our country and nation face a concerning future regarding population. This is a threat that is much more significant for our country than war."
In his statements at the 5th Ordinary General Assembly of KADEM held at the Atatürk Cultural Center, President Erdoğan drew attention to the decline in the population growth rate and made striking evaluations.
"IT IS A THREAT MORE IMPORTANT THAN WAR"
Stating that "Turkey's population is expected to shift from growth to decline in 10 years," Erdoğan said, "If the current situation continues, our population is expected to decrease by 10 million. Our country and nation face a worrying future regarding population. In the Republican era, in the 1960s, they made a mistake by reducing the Turkish population with a birth control system. This is a survival issue. It is a threat much more important than war for our country. While we waste our time and energy fighting over hollow concepts, they weakened our national structure. To be clear, they set a great trap for our country. With the wrong population control policy, they caused our nation to lose power and time. They are still trying to continue this mistake through the opposition today," he stated.
"WHILE THEY CAN'T EVEN PAY SALARIES TO PERSONNEL...."
Without naming names, Erdoğan referred to the salary crisis in CHP municipalities, saying, "The opposition is advocating policies of gender-neutralization that even the West is looking for ways to escape from. While they can't even pay salaries to personnel in municipalities, they shamelessly do not hesitate to squander the people's resources on perverse trends. We all follow the corruption that emerges in the municipalities they have adorned with LGBT rags with great concern," he said.
"YOUNG PEOPLE ARE LIVING ALONE"
Continuing his remarks, Erdoğan pointed out that the institution of family is under threat, stating, "The issue is not limited to the betrayal of the opposition. We are also facing the negative effects of lifestyle. The institution of family is under threat and danger in our country, just like in the rest of the world. We are in a period where family formation and having children are more undermined than ever before. Many families cannot convince their children to get married and establish a home. Young people are living alone, and a 1+1 apartment is enough for them. European countries are constantly accepting immigrants because their own populations are not sufficient to keep the wheels of the country turning. They use every kind of propaganda tool. A significant part of this black propaganda is aimed at constantly defaming Turkey and our country. By fueling xenophobia, they want to harm humanitarian diplomacy. We believe that if we did not have our guests from Syria, Turkish Republics, and other geographies, many sectors would face serious difficulties. This is not a situation we prefer, but it is the reality. There is no need to wait another 10 years to understand that the current situation is our disaster. Without changing minds and breaking down false perceptions, we cannot reach our targeted point," he said.
Highlights from Erdoğan's statements;
Dear ladies, I would like to tell you an anecdote about Ömer Seyfettin. Ömer Seyfettin says that knowledge is different, wisdom is different, and scholars are different. But his friends did not agree with this view. One day, a trainload of sugar arrives from Australia. Everyone who hears this begins to rejoice, thinking that the sugar shortage will end. Ömer Seyfettin also tells the same news to a servant at that moment. The servant replies, "Don't believe it, sir; Australia would eat it if they found it during wartime." Ömer Seyfettin turns to his friends and says, "Despite all your knowledge, you believed such news; it was not swallowed thanks to that wisdom. What we need to do is not to heed the impositions made on our nation, especially on women and children. We will return to our essence and cling to our roots again. We will shape the future of our nation by conquering the hearts of the women and children of our country with the blessings of our national and spiritual longings."
"WE WILL NOT ALLOW A BACKWARD SLIDE, WE WILL NOT"
I trust KADEM's leadership in this matter. You know best the countless initiatives we have implemented, from women's education to political representation. You are the closest witnesses to our sincerity in combating violence against women and our zero tolerance approach. The fight against violence towards women and children continues to be one of the most important elements of our policies aimed at strengthening the institution of family. I reiterate the importance we place on the uncompromising implementation of Law No. 6284, which came into force during our governments. It is not a contract that sustains life, but a law. With this understanding, we will continue our resolute stance on this issue. We will not allow any backward slide in women's gains, especially in business, education, and politics.
"YOU WILL LEARN TO RESPECT WOMEN'S CLOTHING"
Those who spew hatred at every microphone extended and every share should know very well that the dark days when women were discriminated against because of their headscarves and beliefs are now behind us. Women have destroyed your arrogance-laden order in 23 years. Glass ceilings have been shattered. You will learn to respect women's headscarves, attire, and their will to live their beliefs in the public sphere.
"YOU WILL ADAPT TO THE NEW TURKEY"
You will get used to seeing more women in the top positions of the public and private sectors. You will adapt to the new Turkey where women freely occupy every area of life. The anti-women mentality has been consigned to history with the AK Party government. As long as we are in positions of responsibility, it will remain there. In the last 23 years, we have grown Turkey together with women. We have brought it to a position that is pointed out in democracy and freedoms. We will build the Century of Turkey shoulder to shoulder with you women. I wholeheartedly believe that KADEM and our civil society organizations will carry out effective work on a strong legal and social infrastructure in solidarity with women.
"WE EXPECT SUPPORT FOR TERROR-FREE TURKEY EFFORTS"
As the People's Alliance, we expect strong support from you for our efforts for a terror-free Turkey, which we carry out with great sensitivity by speaking less and doing more. The terrorism issue, for which we have paid heavy prices for 40 years, has harmed women the most. We cannot overlook the women of Diyarbakır. The pain and tears caused by terrorism have shattered the hearts of women more than anyone else. It has broken the hearts of mothers. Women will benefit the most from a Turkey without terrorism. Turkey will move towards a safe, peaceful, and terror-free future with your ownership.