Speaking at the Group Meeting of his party in the Grand National Assembly of Turkey (TBMM), President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan gave important messages on the Syrian crisis, economy, minimum wage and Turkey’s future goals.
Turkey’s Syria Policy and Emphasis on Humanity
In his speech at the Turkish Grand National Assembly, President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan evaluated Turkey’s approach to the Syrian crisis and emphasized that they act on the axis of justice and conscience. Stating that they have stood by the oppressed from the first moment of the Syrian crisis by saying “the right wall is indestructible”, Erdoğan said that Turkey has stood on the right side of history with its humanitarian aid and border security policies.
Historical Approach to the Syrian Crisis
Erdoğan described Turkey’s attitude towards the 13-year-long Syrian crisis with these words: “We fulfilled our duty of brotherhood by opening our doors to the oppressed. We did not leave them to die, we did not hand them over to the oppressors.” He also stated that they will not forget the suffering in Syria and explained the effects of the war with examples.
“We have not forgotten the children slaughtered by chemical weapons and the lifeless bodies pulled out from under the rubble,” Erdoğan said, adding that Turkey has taken the right steps in terms of both conscience and strategy.
Economy and Minimum Wage Messages
In the economic parts of his speech, Erdoğan announced plans for 2025, emphasizing growth, employment and prosperity. Stating that they will show determination in the fight against inflation, the President stated that the minimum wage was increased to 22,104 liras.
“With a 30 percent increase in the minimum wage, we kept our promise not to crush our employees against inflation,” Erdoğan said, adding that support for employers was also increased. Stating that the state support was increased from 700 liras to 1000 liras, Erdoğan wished that the new wage regulation would be beneficial for both workers and employers.
Criticism of the Opposition and Social Security Debt
Criticizing the opposition, Erdoğan brought CHP’s debts to the Social Security Institution to the agenda. “You will pay the debts of your municipalities, there is no escape,” he said, adding that municipalities indebted to SSI would be held accountable. Arguing that the opposition lacks the capacity to be an alternative to the government, Erdoğan said they will continue to serve the people.
Foreign Policy and Diplomacy Moves
Touching on international developments in his speech, President Erdoğan emphasized Turkey’s diplomatic moves and vision of peace. Erdoğan stated that the contacts with the new administration in Syria have yielded positive results.
“As Turkey, we will support our brothers and sisters in the reconstruction of Syria,” Erdoğan said, adding that they will continue to provide all kinds of assistance to ensure regional stability.
Counter-Terrorism and Security Policies
Erdoğan gave a message of determination in the fight against terrorist organizations such as PKK and DAESH. “As Turkey, we will continue our struggle as long as these organizations do not lay down their weapons.”
Turkey’s Future Vision
President Erdoğan said that Turkey will become stronger with economic growth, technology investments and social welfare policies for 2025 and beyond.
“Growth has been uninterrupted for 17 quarters. The wheels are turning in industry, exports are rising,” Erdoğan said, adding that Turkey will continue its investment and production-oriented development model.
