Erdoğan to Journalists: “Paid Charlatans”

* Photo Credit: Halil Fidan / AA

The President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, appeared as a guest on a mutual TV show of ATV and A Haber (A News) hosted by journalist Mehmet Barlas. Erdoğan made explanations about the presidential system, Peoples’ Democratic Party (HDP), resolution process, election threshold and the media.

Headlines from Erdoğan’s speech:

Presidential system

“In Russia, Medvedev was the president but Putin was pulling the strings. When Putin was the president, Medvedev was nowhere to be found. It’s not the same in Turkey. Look at the U.S.A and France, the presidents come from political parties.

“The presidential system doesn’t suit opposition party’s book. We had half of the votes in the latest election and had 52% of the votes in the latest presidential elections. It is important for Turkey to have a governing structure with strict determination and of course with presidential system.

“People know right from wrong. They are in peace and relaxed. However, we don’t know what the future brings. General election will be full of surprises until the very last moment.”

Resolution process

“It’s said that Abdullah Öcalan affects political movement or Europe from time to time because the PKK leader is a taboo.

“We are a constitutional state and we should take a step in this direction. If democratic structure is violated, the state makes a backup plan.

Election Threshold

“After the election is over, if it is still necessary to negotiate with HDP, we will do it. Time will tell.

West of country supports HDP

“Malevolent people aim to decrease the votes of AKP. They try to split the country. I call them “darkened” ones instead of “enlightened” ones. Our party keeps stability and trust for 12 years. However, opposition party cannot comprehend it. These gentlemen are irritated with economic progress. They are disturbed instead of being proud.” (AS/BD)

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