President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has celebrated the 25th anniversary of the founding of Turkey’s ruling Justice and Development Party (AK Party).
Speaking at the party’s founding anniversary ceremony in the capital Ankara on Friday, he said that despite the great achievements in 25 years, the party’s work is not yet finished. “We have just begun,” he said, addressing supporters.
At a ceremony held at Ankara’s National Garden, Erdogan described the 25th anniversary as a “very special and historic day.”
He said that since its establishment in 2001, the AK Party has brought about major changes in Turkish politics as well as the country’s economy, health, education, and transportation sectors.
Politics
Erdogan said, “The AK Party was born 25 years ago as the hope of our nation.”
He also highlighted the role of ordinary voters in the party’s long political journey.
Entering politics changes the landscape
The AK Party was founded on August 14, 2001, under the leadership of Erdogan, who was previously the mayor of Istanbul. After its establishment, the party quickly established a strong position in Turkish politics.
Erdogan claims that over the past 25 years, the AKP government has implemented major investment and development projects in the economy, health, education and transportation sectors. He believes that these initiatives have also increased the country’s self-confidence.
The multi-party political era in Turkey began in 1946. Since then, the AK Party has enjoyed significant success in the country’s electoral politics. Through successive electoral victories, the party has led four prime ministers and two presidents.
Erdogan sees the trust of voters as a major factor behind the party’s long political success. He said the AK Party has used the responsibilities and resources that the people have entrusted to it to increase the country’s development and strength.
‘The work is not finished yet’
Erdogan has made it clear that the AK Party will not stop even after 25 years in power. He said that a lot of great work has been done in a quarter of a century. But there is much more to do.
“No one should expect us to get tired,” he told supporters.
Then he announced, ‘We’ve just begun.’
Erdogan said the AK Party will work to move Turkey towards the long-term goals of 2053 and 2071.
He also said that the party will play a more active role in shaping the future of the country.
His message to supporters was, ‘We still have a lot of work to do.’
Meanwhile, Erdogan was unanimously elected chairman of the AK Party at a founding board meeting. The party has become a major force in Turkish politics through successive electoral successes since its founding in 2001.
