Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan urged Turks to set aside differences and focus on the future as he begins a new five-year presidency today. Erdogan took the oath in a ceremony at the parliament in Ankara and is expected to appoint a new government later, which may indicate a possible shift in economic policy, including the end of a period of low interest rates.
In the oath-taking ceremony at the presidential palace, Erdogan spoke in a tone suggesting reconciliation. He stated, "We will embrace all eighty-five million citizens regardless of their political views. Let us put aside the grievances of the election period. Let us seek ways to reconcile." He added, "We should look forward together, focus on the future, and try to say new things. We must attempt to build the future by learning from the mistakes of the past."
The event was attended by high-ranking officials from various countries and international organizations, including NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg, Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, and Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan.
While taking the presidential oath earlier today, Erdogan pledged to protect Turkey's independence and territorial integrity, commit to the constitution, and follow the principles of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder of the modern secular republic. Erdogan, Turkey's longest-serving leader, obtained 52.2% of the votes in the runoff held on May 28, a result contrary to most opinion polls, and achieved victory despite a cost-of-living crisis that many believed weakened his chances.
This new five-year term will enable Erdogan to pursue policies increasingly deemed "authoritarian," which have led to divisions within the NATO member country, but it will also allow him to strengthen Turkey's position as a regional military power.
