Erdoğan condemns hateful comments towards earthquake survivors

Erdoğan expressed his disapproval of the hateful comments made by supporters of the main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP) towards earthquake survivors who voted for the ruling party.

These comments, which surfaced on social media, included insults and even wished death upon those who voted for the president and his alliance.

The AK Party emerged as the winner in the recent elections in nine out of the 11 provinces affected by the devastating earthquakes on February 6, resulting in the loss of over 50,000 lives.

Erdoğan has pledged to rebuild the southern region of the country, constructing a total of 650,000 new houses, with 319,000 to be completed within a year, and ensuring the recovery of the affected areas.

He emphasized his determination to address any shortcomings by forming a robust Cabinet in the new term.

Furthermore, he affirmed his commitment to maintain diplomatic relations with leaders worldwide in Türkiye's best interest, stressing that Türkiye does not engage in actions that isolate or antagonize other nations, unlike the CHP's stance towards Russia.

Responding to recent accusations by CHP leader Kılıçdaroğlu claiming Russian interference in the elections through leaked videos, Erdoğan denied any offense taken and emphasized his willingness to negotiate with leaders from all countries.

He also criticized pollsters for their inaccurate predictions in the elections, noting that while the CHP relied heavily on surveys, the AK Party focused on the ballot boxes.

The president highlighted the discrepancy between the predicted outcome, which favored Kılıçdaroğlu by a significant margin in the first round, and the actual results, where the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP), an ally of the AK Party, gained over 10% of the vote contrary to expectations.

On Sunday, over 60 million voters participated in the elections to choose the president and members of the 600-seat parliament in Turkey.

The People's Alliance, led by Erdogan, secured a majority in parliament, while the presidential race will proceed to a second round on May 28.

In the initial round held on May 14, no candidate achieved an outright majority, although Erdogan was in the lead.

Erdogan will now face Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu, the leader of the main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP) and the joint candidate representing the six-party opposition Nation Alliance, in the upcoming runoff. (ILKHA)