Recep Tayyip Erdogan promises a stronger, more inclusive Turkey at inauguration
- ‘We promise to work with all our power to protect the Turkish Republic’s glory, boost its reputation in the world,’ Erdogan said at his presidential palace in Ankara
- The opposition criticised the president for what they call his ‘authoritarian’ tendencies and an unfair election campaign. Erdogan rejected such criticism as ‘slander’
His re-election, after 20 years in power, comes amid the worst cost-of-living crisis in two decades, regional challenges and February’s devastating earthquakes.
“The election process is now behind us; Turkey has entered a new path,” he said. “The century of Turkey has begun,” said Erdogan, repeating his campaign slogan.
He called his re-election “one of the most critical elections in the history of Turkish politics.”
Erdogan also urged the Turkish opposition to respect the will of the nation.
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Earlier on Saturday – despite the regulations – in protest, opposition lawmakers refused to stand while Erdogan took the parliamentary oath, which stressed adherence to secular republican values, rights and the rule of law.
The opposition criticised the 69-year-old president for what they call his “authoritarian” tendencies and an unfair election campaign.
Erdogan rejected such criticism as “slander” during his inauguration speech.
Following an orchestral concert and Islamic prayers, Erdogan hosted a state dinner, attended by around 5,000 people, local broadcasters said.
Religious community leaders, including Bartholomew I, Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople, and sporting celebrities including former German national football player Mesut Ozil, were on stage as Erdogan spoke.
Erdogan seen ‘balancing’ between China and the West in third term
Later on Saturday, Erdogan is expected to announce his cabinet. Local media speculated that Erdogan would include former aides such as ex-economy tsar Mehmet Simsek in his new cabinet.
Erdogan and his nationalist, Islamist allies form the largest bloc in the 600-seat parliament, which convened for the first time on Friday, following the May 14 elections. However they lack the majority needed to make important legal changes.
The president can still pass some legislative changes by decree, though, under his powers as executive president since 2018.
