Davutoğlu, who said 'all celebrations should be canceled,' issues April 23 message

Gelecek Party Chairman Ahmet Davutoğlu celebrated April 23 National Sovereignty and Children's Day in a post on his social media account. Emphasizing the importance of the Grand National Assembly of Turkey, Davutoğlu also commemorated the teachers and students who lost their lives in Kahramanmaraş.

In his statement, Davutoğlu said, "April 23 means the future. Happy April 23 National Sovereignty and Children's Day, which Gazi Mustafa Kemal Atatürk gifted to our children, the guarantee of our future. May our Veteran Assembly, the manifestation of the national will, exist forever. On this occasion, I once again commemorate with mercy our teachers and students who lost their lives in Kahramanmaraş, and I extend my condolences to their families and our beloved nation."

April 23 means the future.

Happy April 23 National Sovereignty and Children's Day, which Gazi Mustafa Kemal Atatürk gifted to our children, the guarantee of our future.

May our Veteran Assembly, the manifestation of the national will, exist forever.

On this occasion, once again;... pic.twitter.com/rKrfonBWpu

— Ahmet Davutoğlu (@Ahmet_Davutoglu) April 23, 2026

PREVIOUS STATEMENTS HAD DRAWN REACTION

In his assessment following the school attacks in Şanlıurfa and Kahramanmaraş, Ahmet Davutoğlu had called on AKP Chairman and President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and Parliament Speaker Numan Kurtulmuş, stating, "A national period of mourning should be declared until April 23 National Sovereignty and Children's Day, all celebrations and receptions related to April 23 should be canceled, and during this period, classes in all schools nationwide should begin with the commemoration of our children, and awareness training should be provided." he had said.

These words of Davutoğlu had found wide resonance on social media.