Country needs security and stability, not adventure: Binali Yıldırım
Turkey has seen significant progress in the 21-year period under the AK Party’s rule, according to Binali Yildirim. Speaking to NGO representatives, businessmen, and party delegates, Yildirim explained that imperialist countries are uncomfortable with this breakthrough. He also highlighted that Turkey’s urbanization rate has surpassed 80%, causing a decrease in rural population and family-run businesses. Yildirim expressed the importance of infrastructure, road, and transportation network development for growth and said that it is essential for export because exporting means producing, which means employment. Moreover, he revealed that all provinces in Turkey are now exporting, which makes a considerable contribution to the economy.
Yildirim pointed out several milestones achieved by Turkey in the 21 years of AK Party rule, such as the rise of the population from 65 million to 86 million, the increase of national income per capita from $3,200 to $10,600, and the surge of the national income from $230 billion to $905 billion. He also stated that students in universities increased from 1.5 million to 8.5 million. The number of cars owned by Turkish citizens rose to six million, and the number of universities grew to 208. In addition, divided roads elevated from six thousand to 28,500 kilometers, airports grew from 26 to 52, and ports rose from 149 to 200.
The earthquake that occurred on February 6 caused significant destruction, adding to the country’s challenges, with 650,000 houses and 56,000 buildings destroyed. Yildirim mentioned that Turkey would spend three years of development compensation, which equals half of the previous year’s expense budget, as the earthquake damage costs Turkey 15% of its national income or 2 trillion liras. He also said that 319,000 of the 650,000 houses intended for earthquake victims will be delivered in a year, and the foundations of 141,000 residences have been laid so far.
Yildirim criticized the opposition parties, especially Kemal Kilicdaroglu, for their contradictions during the election campaign. He stated that Turkey had paid the price for the country’s unity and brotherhood through 40,000 martyrs and experienced July 15, with 251 martyrs, and could not support the candidate supported by FETO members, separatists, and their owners. Lastly, he emphasized that the man of the nation, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, was the candidate they supported for the presidency.
