Another reaction to Tom Barrack's 'monarchy' remarks from İmamoğlu: 'The government treating him as a counterpart is a sign of weakness'

Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu expressed his reaction to the speech delivered by US Ambassador to Ankara Tom Barrack at the Antalya Diplomacy Forum. Barrack's use of expressions distant from democracy in his speech, as well as his praise for the concepts of monarchy and "strong leadership," sparked controversy in the political world.

In a post shared on his social media account, İmamoğlu made the following statements:

"I have followed the recent statements of the US Ambassador to Ankara with great attention. The remarks made by Ambassador Barrack at the Antalya Diplomacy Forum are contrary to all diplomatic norms. This approach, which distances itself from democracy and praises monarchy and 'strong leadership' models, is in clear contradiction with Turkey's historical and social realities and is unacceptable.

The Republic of Turkey was born from the ashes of a monarchy and is the work of a will that grants sovereignty unconditionally to the nation. In these lands, democracy is an achievement gained by paying a heavy price. Therefore, any approach that does not understand this achievement or legitimizes alternative regime models will find the response it deserves in the eyes of our nation.

It is a sign of weakness that this Ambassador, who has not hesitated to commit gaffe after gaffe since the day he took office, is still being treated as a counterpart by the government. Turkey's path is clear. Our compass is set: democracy, the rule of law, and the national will."

WHAT DID BARRACK SAY?

In the forum he attended, Barrack had stated, "The only thing that has worked in the Middle East has been strong leadership regimes: either benevolent monarchies or constitutional monarchy-type structures. Countries that wore the cloak of democracy and were pressured in the name of human rights have failed."

News Source: 12punto