Erdoğan's statement on İmamoğlu and Mansur Yavaş: 'If they have done something wrong, they will pay the price'

President and AKP Chairman Recep Tayyip Erdoğan traveled to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, to attend the G20 Leaders' Summit. In his speech at the summit, reiterating his message of 'support for Palestine', he said, "Israel is committing crimes against humanity by blocking the entry of humanitarian aid into Gaza."

President Erdoğan made statements to journalists on the plane upon his return to the country following his visit to Brazil.

Evaluating the visit, Erdoğan made the following remarks:

GAZA AGENDA

We have just concluded our visit to Rio de Janeiro, where we came to attend the G20 Leaders' Summit hosted by Brazil. In the press conference we held after the summit, we shared our views on both the summit and other issues. The G20 is a consultative platform representing 85 percent of the world economy and two-thirds of its population. You will recall that during our G20 presidency in 2015, we brought very important issues to the agenda. Issues such as counter-terrorism, food security, the migration crisis, and energy security remain among the main agenda items of humanity today. We actively participated in the work of the presidency, which Brazil carried out under the theme of "Building a Just World and a Sustainable Planet." The main topics of the summit were "Fighting Hunger and Poverty" and "Reform of International Organizations." We also exchanged views on climate change and energy transition. In the sessions we attended, I expressed our initiatives and evaluations for the future regarding these issues. I emphasized the conscientious and entrepreneurial aspects of our foreign policy. At the summit, I drew attention to the Israeli aggression against Gaza and Lebanon. As a result of our initiatives, strong sentences regarding Gaza were adopted in the G20 Leaders' Declaration. In addition to the dangerous escalation in Lebanon, the call to remove obstacles to the delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza was also recorded at the leaders' level. As you know, we are one of the countries that provide the most humanitarian aid in the world in proportion to national income. We supported the Brazil Presidency's "Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty" initiative as a founding member. We invited G20 members to prioritize food waste reduction and Zero Waste initiatives in the Alliance's work. We have always stood by our citizens in need with the policies and projects we have implemented over the last 22 years. By establishing one of the most inclusive social security systems in the world, we have fulfilled the requirements of our social state character. Regardless of the economic conditions our country is in, we never compromise on our social policy that embraces the oppressed, the poor, and the needy. The subject of the second session of the summit was the reform of international organizations. We see that our approach of "The world is bigger than five" is finding more resonance day by day. The current system, which serves power and the powerful, unfortunately, can no longer deliver what is expected of it. For this, there is a need for a more democratic, more broadly representative, transparent, and accountable structure. As Turkey, we express the importance of this on every platform. We emphasized that developing countries, including the IMF and the World Bank, need stronger representation in international financial institutions. The G20 platform has proven its effectiveness in many issues since the global economic crisis. I believe that we will overcome the problems we face on a global scale with the determined, effective, and solution-oriented understanding of the G20. I wish our meetings and discussions to be auspicious; I greet you all with respect once again, and now I give the floor to you.

President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan answered the questions of the journalists accompanying him with the following words:

The G20 is discussing the “Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty and the Reform of Global Governance Institutions.” Turkey is the country that provides the most donations and aid in the world according to its national income. You have been saying for years that “A Fairer World is Possible.” Is the world slowly coming to the point you mentioned? Developments point to a chaotic global order. There are many reasons to be pessimistic. Do you still maintain your hope for a fairer world? Do you hear its footsteps?

"WE ARE POINTING TO THE ICEBERG"

“A Fairer World is Possible” is our thesis, as you know. We have also announced this to the world by turning it into a book. This is a step we have taken in terms of fighting injustices. The fact that Turkey is one of the countries that provides the most aid according to its national income also shows its sensitivity on this issue and the responsibility it has undertaken regarding international solidarity. Turkey has proven itself in the world regarding humanitarian aid to date. Today, problems in global governance, weaknesses in international cooperation, and power relations make the realization of the “A Fairer World is Possible” vision difficult. Problems in the global system are now causing damage that cannot be compensated. We stated this very clearly and explicitly in our speeches at this summit. It was stated clearly and explicitly by the countries that accept our “A Fairer World is Possible” thesis. It is essential to roll up our sleeves and get to work before this broken system drags our world into major disasters. If we liken our world to a giant ship sailing on the open sea, we are pointing to the iceberg that we can see with our naked eyes from the deck. We are explaining that if we do not steer towards the good, the right, justice, and equity as soon as possible, we will hit that iceberg. The issue of governance reform is vital for this reason. Realizing this reform and building a fairer world should be the priority of all of us as states. Countries that think, “Will my privileges be lost? Will I compromise my comfort?” and drag their feet with such concerns are darkening not only their own future but also the future of our planet. We will continue to explain that the world is bigger than five and that a fairer world is possible.

At the G20 Summit held in Brazil, hunger and poverty were treated as the main theme, as you stated. According to a report by a reputable research organization based in the UK, Turkey has been chosen as the country that provides the most aid in the world in proportion to its Gross National Product in the last 3 years. Turkey is in the first place in the ranking of countries providing humanitarian aid in this report. Western countries, which consume 70 percent of the world's resources, are behind Turkey in the fight against hunger and poverty. How should this situation be evaluated, how do you read it?

"WESTERN COUNTRIES ARE BEHIND TURKEY IN THE FIGHT AGAINST POVERTY AND HUNGER"

First of all, we are tasked with doing what is necessary, and we have done and are doing so. We will continue to do so without hesitation from now on. Humanitarian aid has always been among our priorities to the extent of our power, and this will not change. Turkey's position at the top as the country providing the most humanitarian aid in proportion to national income is a remarkable success in the international arena. We are happy about this. This situation shows the importance Turkey attaches to humanitarian values and global solidarity. Our country's humanitarian aid is not based on a strategy shaped by geographical proximity and historical ties, but on a human-centered approach. We pay special attention to this. At the same time, we are also fighting to eliminate the distortions and injustices that cause people to become in need of aid. A final solution is not possible without eliminating the various causes that give rise to conflicts, wars, terrorism, climate crises, and migration. We say, “Let us fight against hunger and poverty on a global scale. However, let us not be content with this, let us also eliminate the grounds that create them.” It is a problem that the developed countries of the world do not provide humanitarian aid in proportion to their means. Western countries' fight against poverty and hunger lags behind Turkey. The fact that Western countries, which hold a large portion of the world's resources, are not more active in the fight against poverty and hunger is a reflection of global inequality and injustice. We cannot just watch these things just because they do so. We will continue to strive to provide our aid.

Mr. President, immediately after landing in Rio on Sunday, you had a meeting with the President of Brazil, Mr. Lula da Silva. You had made statements beforehand that you attached importance to this meeting. Turkey and Brazil act together on many international issues. For example, the two countries have a similar approach regarding the oppression in Gaza. How did this meeting go both on this issue and in terms of bilateral relations, is it possible for you to provide some information about its content?

"WE HAVE SIMILAR VIEWS REGARDING THE ISRAELI OPPRESSION"

As you know, I have a sincere friendship with Mr. Lula. We have similar thoughts on many issues, especially regarding the Israeli oppression in Gaza. Our relations with Brazil are developing in every field with the influence of this friendship we have established. They said let's have a meeting before the meeting at this summit. We held our inter-delegation meeting. Although there is a long distance between our countries geographically, our friendship and relations are, on the contrary, extremely close. We had the opportunity to evaluate issues related to the development of political, economic, and cultural relations between our countries. We discussed the possibility of creating a win-win relationship for both sides by cooperating in the fields of energy, agriculture, and technology. We evaluated the importance of Brazil including the “Global Governance Reform” among the priorities of the G20 and expressed our satisfaction with this. The fact that the United Nations has become unable to fulfill its primary duty worries Brazil just as it worries us. This situation of the United Nations, which remains insufficient in preventing crises and conflicts in the world, also strengthens many risks. We also discussed in this meeting the steps that need to be taken, especially to stop Israeli aggression, and our initiative for an arms embargo against Israel on the United Nations platform.

US President Joe Biden announced that he has authorized Ukraine to use American-made “Army Tactical Missile Systems” on Russian territory. Is this decision a response to the claims that the Donald Trump administration, which is expected to take office in January, will reduce American aid to Ukraine? Immediately after this decision, France and England also announced that they support this missile business. In fact, Ukraine hit with a missile. Therefore, do you think Biden is dragging the world into a disaster on his way out?

BIDEN MESSAGE

First of all, we do not find this decision right, nor do we approve of it. Since the beginning of the Ukraine-Russia war, we have thought that it could end not with more weapons, more blood, more tears, but with more peace efforts, more goodwill, and diplomacy. Now, a move has come from Mr. Biden that will be interpreted as a move made to fuel the war, to ensure it never ends, and even to spread it. This step by Biden, beyond escalating the conflict, will lead to a greater reaction from Russia. Mr. Putin also approved the doctrine that allows for a response with nuclear weapons if his country is subjected to ballistic missile attacks. All of this could bring the region and the world to the brink of a new and major war. You cannot get anywhere with the mentality of “after me, the deluge.” Our expectation and wish are for the Ukrainian and Russian sides to focus on peace by maintaining calm without falling for provocations. The slightest mistake made on the ground created by this major error, falling for provocations, will be no different from throwing a match into a powder keg. Therefore, I advise everyone to act carefully.

2ND TRUMP TERM

When we look at the cabinet currently announced by US President-elect Donald Trump, names that conflict with Turkey's policies stand out. For example, Mr. Trump recommended an anti-Turkey Secretary of State. That person's statements about Palestinians, about Hamas, are terrifying. Should we be worried for NATO, for Turkey, or for the world?

We cannot build our relations on prejudices. We have to be very careful and very sensitive here. Although President-elect Donald Trump says he will end wars, it is too early to comment on the new term. We will see what the attitude and stance of the United States regarding the Middle East will be during the Trump era when the new president takes office. We will continue to strive to advance Turkey-US relations within the framework of our country's interests in the new term as well. We are, of course, analyzing who is in Mr. Trump's cabinet and their approach, and we are making our preparations accordingly. For us, what people say and think before coming to power is not unimportant. However, what is essential is what they do after assuming the responsibility of power. We take our steps according to concrete actions and make our provisions according to all possibilities. We want to believe in Mr. Trump's rhetoric of ending wars, and we expect him to take steps in this direction. America, acting with an approach of ending wars, can create a new climate for the peaceful resolution of conflicts in our region. This is our most natural right. We hope to witness developments in line with our positive expectations and eliminate our problems one by one. Our stance regarding the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, the Israel issue, and the Middle East in general is clear. We have shared our opinion and determination regarding ending the war in the region with them in telephone diplomacy, and we will continue to share it in the coming process.

You said that Trump's presidency would seriously affect the political and military balances in the Middle East. You stated that you would also evaluate the issue of the withdrawal of American soldiers from Syria. In this sense, a news report published in Reuters states that Ankara is pressuring the United States to stop its support for the PKK in northern Syria. Questions are being asked: “Is there a possibility of Turkey launching a new operation in northern Syria?” What is your evaluation on this matter?

We are determined to consign the terror issue to history. We absolutely have no tolerance for structures beyond our borders that constantly create national security threats to our country. We have conveyed to all our interlocutors to date how clear and determined we are on this issue. We will clearly explain this approach and our goal to our new interlocutors as well. Northern Syria has been occupied by the PKK/PYD/YPG supported by America. This region is extremely important not only for us but also for Syria. Clearing the PKK/PYD/YPG from this region is also quite critical for the Syrian Administration. The civil war in Syria brought deep instability to our neighbor's lands. Instability, like a swamp attracting flies, drew terrorist organizations beyond our borders. Just as we are making efforts to dry up this swamp, the Syrian Administration must also make this effort. We are currently in a struggle with the flies in that swamp, so to speak. We cannot say, “The swamp will dry up anyway, let the flies roam freely.” We will continue our fight against terrorism. As Turkey, we are ready for the new situation that America's withdrawal from Syria will create, as well as the current reality. Our national security comes before everything else and is above every issue. We are striving to turn this atmosphere in Syria in favor of the region by holding the necessary talks with Russia on this matter.

IS THERE A DISAGREEMENT WITH BAHÇELİ?

Both you and MHP leader Mr. Devlet Bahçeli actually draw attention to and emphasize the harmony and unity in the People's Alliance at every opportunity. You also had a meeting with Mr. Devlet Bahçeli last week. This meeting was a little more important than the others. Because this was the first meeting you held after Mr. Devlet Bahçeli's terrorist leader statement. First of all, how did you handle this issue, and did you make an evaluation regarding the right to hope along with it?

The meeting we had with Mr. Devlet is of critical importance in the political and social conjuncture that Turkey is in, especially for the harmony, cohesion, and unity of the People's Alliance. There is never a disagreement, a dispute, or a difference of opinion between us. But some are putting forward claims such as “The People's Alliance has split, cracked.” The main opposition hopes for such rhetoric to cover up the fight between the old-new management and the mayors. Let no one confuse our alliance with their nylon alliances, with interest-based relationships based on a “give and take” order. There is no such thing. Our alliance was not established in dark corridors or at dirty tables. Ours is solid. We have an alliance built with a unity of hearts. The dough of this alliance was kneaded with the blood of our dear martyrs. Every meeting we have with Mr. Devlet Bahçeli is an opportunity to consolidate the unity of ideals in the People's Alliance. Especially our sensitivities regarding saving our country from the 40-year burden of terrorism are the same. I want this to be known: In our meeting with Mr. Bahçeli, we discussed all issues on the agenda of politics and the country in detail. We evaluated among ourselves the additional steps that can be taken on the path to our “Terror-Free Turkey” goal. Because the struggle we have waged against terrorism to date has a meaning. If we have waged a struggle against terrorism in Cudi, Gabar, Tendürek, and Bestler Dereleri, it has a meaning. You see now that there is no trace of terrorism there anymore. Our concern right now is that we will never waste that 30-kilometer depth within Syria, and we are continuing and will continue our struggle there together with our heroic Mehmetçik.

You have set a Terror-Free Turkey goal; what is the roadmap for this? What are the first steps to be taken regarding a Terror-Free Turkey? You have set a Terror-Free Turkey goal. Is there a roadmap for this? What are the priority steps?

The steps we have taken to date to end the terror problem in our country are clear. The ultimate goal of these steps is a Terror-Free Turkey. While realizing this, it should not even cross anyone's mind that we might think of stopping the fight against terrorism. Our interlocutor is our nation, and our main goal is to eliminate all the grounds that terrorist organizations exploit. We will do this with our nation and make our internal front rock-solid. Even the recent discussions have shown how the terrorist organization exploits our Kurdish citizens and how the stories they have told them for years have fallen flat. The terrorist organization has no ideology or cause other than serving its masters with loyalty. They only take orders and try to fulfill them. We are renewing our counter-terrorism strategy according to developments in our region. We have developed social and economic policies aimed at eliminating the exploitation ground of the terrorist organization, and we have taken historic steps to eliminate the grievances of our people living in disadvantaged regions. We have especially addressed the strengthening of education, job opportunities, and social services in this context. We are close to reaching our “Terror-Free Turkey” goal; we have focused on the problem in all its aspects and are determined to solve it. Besides this, I would also like to clarify an issue that the opposition has been harping on. We are not a government that strives to collect money from the public regarding the defense industry. There is absolutely no such thing. The opposition is in such a miserable state that they would say our government is “striving to solve problems by collecting money from the public.” We have no such concern. Thank God, our financial means currently have the power and capability to keep our defense industry standing.

İBB AND ABB INVESTIGATION

Ankara Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Mansur Yavaş and Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu's concert scandals have been reflected in the public eye. The Public Prosecutor's Office has launched an investigation into this. What are your thoughts on the concert incident in Ankara and Istanbul? Also, previously, AK Party municipalities, in particular, underwent investigations and were acquitted... Ekrem İmamoğlu and Mansur Yavaş are trying to create a perception in the public eye that these investigations will create obstacles for them in the future. May I learn your thoughts on this subject?

We are not against concerts. Our nation provides large budgets and resources to our municipalities. The squandering of these resources and the commission of corruption carry the issue to a judicial dimension. What the judiciary is doing is investigating this dimension. We are investigating the matter from an administrative perspective, and if there is a need for a judicial investigation, we refer the matter to the judiciary. This is our duty, we have to do this. From a political perspective, we are, of course, following whether the promises made to our nation are kept or not. Ankara and Istanbul have serious problems in basic municipal services, from traffic to public transport, from garbage collection and cleaning to other issues. Of course, on the other hand, as the President of the Republic of Turkey, I do not get into issues related to these names. The President of the Republic of Turkey does not deal with such things. Here, our judiciary does what is necessary. If there is corruption here, I believe that our prosecutors and judges will hold those who do this accountable before the law. If they have done something wrong, they will pay the price; no one should be disturbed by this.

When you set out, you said “fight against 3Y”; corruption, poverty, and bans... We see that significant progress has been made on this issue. In local governments, opposition parties manage municipalities to a significant extent. Do you find opposition municipalism sufficient, especially in the fight against 3Y?

PAZAR RESPONSE TO ÖZGÜR ÖZEL

Is there a fight against corruption, poverty, and bans by opposition municipalities for us to question? If they were sufficient, we would not be talking about these issues today. Many opposition municipalities have not even taken a step on these issues. Those who have taken steps are insufficient in producing permanent and effective solutions to the problems. Dealing with deep-rooted problems such as corruption, poverty, and bans requires more determination and courage. It is also debatable whether these municipalities have a serious vision. It is unthinkable for those who cannot produce realistic and concrete projects to deal with these problems. They already have no such intention, horizon, or desire. Our nation sees what they are chasing. They need to understand this. Municipalities belong to the nation and are obliged to serve them properly. We have had a principle regarding corruption, poverty, and bans to this day. This existed yesterday, it exists today, and it will exist tomorrow. But now he is telling such things, for example, a Chairman went to the market. Can the President come to the market with me? he says. Mr. Chairman, I do not have time to go around with you. We are already visiting those places ourselves and with our relevant friends. Do not worry at all, we are there. We do not leave markets and bazaars empty.

A FETÖ secret imam caught in Istanbul last week was found to have been training students for military and police schools after July 15. Behaviors incompatible with military discipline occurred at the Tuzla Infantry School last year and at the Army War Academy graduation ceremony this year. FETÖ still has infiltration attempts. Are there more sensitive measures regarding student recruitment for War Academies, the Police Academy, and other critical schools?

"THE JUDICIARY IS WORKING WITH ALL ITS MIGHT NOT TO LET FETÖ TRAITORS PASS"

We can never be complacent against FETÖ. The terrorist organization is waiting in ambush with the approach of “water sleeps, the enemy does not.” We cannot give them an opportunity, and we do not. We are on alert against FETÖ's infiltration attempts in all our institutions. We knew that the fight against FETÖ was difficult, that cleaning out the insidious organization that had entered the capillary vessels of the country was arduous, and we took all steps accordingly. We are applying a series of measures never seen before regarding the supply of students to our educational institutions, especially our military and police schools. We will never allow our critical institutions to be worn down. For this, we are applying a high-level measure in every field, especially human resources. Since they take every shape, we have to conduct our struggle more sensitively for this reason.

We have increased inspections regarding personnel who will serve in our security forces and critical services. The judiciary is also acting sensitively on this issue and is working with all its might not to let FETÖ traitors pass. We are tracking these traitors throughout the public sector, and when we make concrete findings, we immediately do what is necessary. We are developing and implementing more effective and comprehensive measures against FETÖ's infiltration attempts. Every precaution we take covers not only the current situation but also possible future threats, and we are addressing this issue with a multi-faceted strategy.

"WE WILL NOT LET THE CITIZEN BE CRUSHED BY INFLATION"

As you know, it is the end of the year again, and everyone's eyes and ears are on the increases in the salaries of both employees and retirees, but we know that the main issue is purchasing power, sir. There is a decline in inflation, and I wonder how this decline will reflect on the lives of both the employee and the retiree in the coming period?

Our goal is to permanently increase the purchasing power of our citizens, all segments of society. The way to do this is to permanently reduce inflation to single digits. We had envisioned our first year as the transition to disinflation. There has been a decline in inflation since May, and this decline will continue. In 2025, especially the delayed effect of monetary policy, the decrease in the budget deficit in fiscal policy, and our formation of prices in a way that is in line with the inflation target within the framework of budget possibilities will continue to reduce inflation. Look, last year we gave a 107.5 percent raise to our minimum wage-earning brothers and sisters. Last year, inflation was 65 percent. This year we gave a 49 percent raise. As of October, inflation is below 49 percent. In other words, we will complete the year with a figure of around 44 percent according to our Central Bank's estimates. In short, we will not let our retirees, our civil servants, our minimum wage earners, or any segment of society be crushed by inflation. This was the picture in the last 22 years, it was the same in the last 1 year, and it has not changed within this year. The opposition is exploiting this issue, but we will continue to act within the framework of the same principles in the coming period and will treat our employees in a framework that will protect their purchasing power above inflation. But the essential thing is that inflation falls permanently. Inflation in basic goods purchased by our citizens is 28.5 percent. In goods including vegetables, fruits, and food, it is around 40 percent. Inflation that keeps inflation a bit high right now is inflation in services such as rent and private education. Inflation has entered a permanent downward trend, and hopefully, it will continue on its way in this way. Here, I would also like to say this: We are planning to take another new step. This is to ensure access to red meat with much better opportunities by importing cattle. We also evaluated this with our Minister of Agriculture and Forestry, İbrahim Yumaklı. I gave the instruction to import these cattle from Uruguay and Brazil immediately if necessary so that the citizen can reach red meat at the prices they expect. We will evaluate this and we will take these steps as well.