President Erdogan calls for new era in Istanbul, criticizes current leadership

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, addressing a massive crowd at the Great Istanbul Rally held at the Ataturk Airport, emphasized Istanbul's crucial role in shaping Türkiye's future.

He pledged to initiate a new chapter for the city in the upcoming elections on March 31.

Erdogan, who leads the Justice and Development (AK) Party, expressed a deep connection to Istanbul's history, from its conquest to its present-day status.

He elaborated on Istanbul's importance, saying: "Istanbul is the city that became a dream for nations, conquerors, and commanders for over eight centuries."

He called for the liberation of Istanbul from what he described as "the oppression of the Republican People’s Party (CHP)" by the end of March.

In a direct critique of Istanbul's current Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu's administration, President Erdogan labeled the past five years as a period of decline.

"Of course, nothing remains from a period where half (the time) is spent skiing, half on vacation, and the rest in election campaigns to overthrow the party leader," he stated.

Reflecting on his administration's contributions, Erdogan said: "When we took over Istanbul's governance in 1994 and Türkiye's in 2002, we were guided by the same mission. We remain committed to the same principles to this day. In the past 21 years, we have made TL 1.65 trillion ($51.32 billion) worth of public investments in Istanbul."

He urged engagement with the electorate, saying: "If you know any unsure citizens, please reach out to them when you get home. If people have any grievances, we'll resolve them; if they have doubts or questions, we'll provide the answers."

Erdogan emphasized the urgency of addressing the city's recent decline, asserting, "We'll explain how our city has declined over the last five years. We'll make it clear that Istanbul can't afford another five years of setback. Our goal is to reach every Istanbulite, ensuring we win their hearts and votes without leaving anyone behind."

Concluding with a note of confidence, Erdogan expressed: "I have faith in the wisdom of all Istanbulites, regardless of their political affiliation. I'm confident that on March 31, Istanbul will stand strong."

The rally saw extensive preparations, including road closures and added public transport services, accommodating the turnout of approximately 650,000 people.

Source: Newsroom