Mansur Yavaş: No seat is above the conscience of the people

Ankara Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Mansur Yavaş said, ''We believe that democracy must be kept alive not only at the ballot box, but also in justice, equality, transparency, and conscience.

Because we know that the true strength of a country is measured by the fairness of its institutions, the honesty of its administrators, and the freedom of its citizens. Therefore, we do not consent to any decision or any settling of scores casting a shadow over the reputation of our democracy.

As a son of this nation, I want to state something I believe in with all my heart once again in front of you. I wholeheartedly believe in the rule of law and that justice will surely prevail one day,'' he said.

Speaking at the reception, Ankara Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Mansur Yavaş stated the following:

October 13, 1923… As a nation was being reborn from its ashes, the heart of these lands was beating in Ankara. Gazi Mustafa Kemal Atatürk and his comrades-in-arms saw this ancient city not only as a geographical center but as a moral, intellectual, and conscientious one. Ankara became the headquarters of the National Struggle; the capital of independence, reason, and the Republic. The decision made that day was not just a choice of a city. That decision became an eternal symbol of the will rising from the bosom of Anatolia. And that will has continued to live on these lands for 102 years with universal values such as justice, merit, freedom, and equality.

Throughout its thousands of years of history, Ankara has always been a center of civilizations. The city and capital of the Galatians, Romans, Seljuks, and Ahi brotherhood. This city, where the foundations of the Republic were laid, carries the traces of the past with pride while illuminating the path to the future.

"ANKARA IS ONE OF THE WORLD'S FEW PROMINENT CAPITALS"

Today, with a population exceeding 6 million, its modern structures, universities, industry, green spaces, and cultural diversity, Ankara has become not only Turkey's but one of the world's few prominent capitals.

With this awareness, we are working for a contemporary and fair Ankara that protects its history, respects nature, and prioritizes solidarity. For nearly 7 years, we have taken this goal as our guide in every step. During our term, we have brought 20 million square meters of new green space to our capital. We have attached importance to our historical values. We have restored and continue to restore hundreds of registered structures in and around Ankara Castle. By bringing history and modernity together, we are keeping our cultural heritage alive. And most importantly, to ensure that no one in this city feels alone, we are expanding social aid, solidarity networks, and projects that establish direct contact with the public. Without wearing a party badge, we provide equal service to every citizen, whether they voted for us or not. Ankara is now a city that is the apple of the eye not only of Turkey but of the world. Today, we are carrying out joint projects with 53 sister capitals. With the 'Capitals Solidarity' initiative we launched during the pandemic, we built a bridge of information and solidarity among 43 countries and shared our experiences. We have made Ankara a center of peace, cooperation, and friendship diplomacy, and we continue to do so. In fact, we are also repairing the soul of this city. Because Ankara is not just a capital made of stone and concrete; it is the capital of mutual aid, kindness, conscience, and brotherhood.

"WE DO NOT CONSENT TO CASTING A SHADOW OVER THE REPUTATION OF OUR DEMOCRACY"

Distinguished Guests; before concluding my remarks, I would like to touch upon a few points. Personally, I believe in the following: Democracy is not just a form of government for us; it is the clearest manifestation of this nation's character, will, and honor. It is the duty of all of us to protect this legacy, which our ancestors won with their lives and blood. We believe that democracy must be kept alive not only at the ballot box, but also in justice, equality, transparency, and conscience. Because we know that the true strength of a country is measured by the fairness of its institutions, the honesty of its administrators, and the freedom of its citizens. Therefore, we do not consent to any decision or any settling of scores casting a shadow over the reputation of our democracy. As a son of this nation, I want to state something I believe in with all my heart once again in front of you. I wholeheartedly believe in the rule of law and that justice will surely prevail one day.

"NO SEAT IS ABOVE THE CONSCIENCE OF THE PEOPLE"

Today, I say with the same belief: No office, no signature, no seat is above justice and the conscience of the people. Believing in democracy is possible not only by voting, but by defending what is right under all circumstances. We will continue to defend that truth. We trust in the scales of justice. We trust in the conscience of our nation. Our direction is the law, and our compass is conscience.

Distinguished guests, happy 102nd anniversary of Ankara becoming the capital. At the same time, we take pride in reopening the Kocatepe Cultural Center. May it be auspicious. I hope this will serve culture, art, and many meetings in our Ankara. This city will continue to be the heart of the Republic, the capital of justice, conscience, and kindness. On this occasion, I commemorate all our heroes, especially Gazi Mustafa Kemal Atatürk and his comrades-in-arms, who made these lands our homeland, and our dear martyrs with mercy and gratitude.

When the Republic was first established, many of our current ambassadors perhaps know, unfortunately, some ambassadors did not want to move to Ankara for a long time. Because when the Republic was founded, they did not believe it would last long. But Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, especially after the Seğmenler welcomed him in Ankara, trusted this Ankara so much that he insisted, he insisted and said, 'This place will continue to be the capital of the Republic.' All those ambassadors who did not want to come that day came to Ankara after seeing this determination, and today, together with the ambassadors of all our countries, I hope we are enjoying the fruits of diplomacy and democracy together, and we will continue to do so. I wish for our Grand National Assembly of Turkey and all our buildings where the Republic was founded to live forever, and I say 'welcome' to you all. I offer you all my love and respect.''

News Source: 12punto