Erdogan celebrates ruling AK Party’s 23rd anniversary with influx of new MPs

The ruling Justice and Development Party (AK Party), founded in 2001 under the leadership of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, has marked 23 years on the political stage on Tuesday.

Erdogan addressed his party’s 23rd Anniversary ceremony at the AK Party Congress Center.

During the event, 13 new mayors and two new members of Parliament are expected to join the AK Party.

2 MPs from opposition Good Party

Meanwhile, it was announced that two deputies from the opposition Good Party joined the AK Party during the event.

The names of the two MPs who joined the AK Party are Good Party Istanbul MP Seyithan Issiz and Istanbul MP Ahmet Ersagun Yucel.

“Today, we are happy, proud and excited as we celebrate our 23rd anniversary. Declaring that nothing will ever be the same, we mark this significant milestone. Our deepest gratitude goes to our beloved nation. From the moment we left Pinarhisar, we have been met with unwavering support,” Erdogan remarked.

Economic development during AK Party ruling

Referring to the economic developments in Türkiye during the AK Party rule, Erdogan said: “Despite the opposition’s attempts to exploit the situation, we have made significant strides in agriculture. Our agricultural gross domestic product (GDP) has soared from ₺37 billion to an impressive ₺1 trillion 625 billion.”

“The total production of our fields, vegetables, and fruits has increased from 98 million tons to 137 million tons,” President Erdogan shared the figures.

Meanwhile, small and large livestock numbers have grown from 251 million to approximately 375 million, he maintained.

“We have achieved an annual economic growth rate of 5.4%. While our GDP continues to expand in real terms, per capita income has risen from $3,608 to $13,110,” the president went on to add.

The president also highlighted that by paying off $23.5 billion debt to the IMF, Türkiye secured “true economic independence.”

Underscoring that the number of active insured individuals has increased from 12 million to 25.212 million in the workforce, Erdogan noted that Türkiye has placed 14.230 million people in jobs through ISKUR.

“Additionally, we have implemented wage increases above inflation across all income groups,” he emphasized.

The president also criticized that those who claim to be social democrats merely talk about the ‘social state’ principle.

“We have made it a reality by becoming the voice of the voiceless,” he concluded.