Erdogan outlines bold vision for Türkiye’s future at ruling AK Party’s congress
President and Leader of the Justice and Development (AK) Party, Recep Tayyip Erdogan makes a speech during the AK Party’s 8th Ordinary Grand Congress at Ankara Arena in Ankara, Türkiye on February 23, 2025. (AA Photo
President and Justice and Development Party (AK Party) Chairman Recep Tayyip Erdogan delivered a powerful speech at the 8th Grand Congress, outlining his party’s future direction while criticizing both the opposition and business elites.
He presented an optimistic outlook for Türkiye’s economy, outlined bold reforms and reaffirmed the AK Party’s commitment to national unity.
Reaffirming AK Party’s resilience, renewed vision
Erdogan marked the AK Party’s 24 years of continuous renewal and growth, emphasizing the party’s dedication to Türkiye’s prosperity. He underscored that the party would continue evolving while staying true to its core values.
The AK Party is a political formation that has consistently renewed itself. Our party’s principles remain unchanged, even if our cadres evolve.
President and AK Party Chairman Recep Tayyip Erdogan
He dismissed any claims of the AK Party weakening, stressing that it remains firmly rooted in the will of the people.
Strong criticism of opposition, TUSIAD
Erdogan did not hold back in his criticism of opposition parties and business group TUSIAD. He accused them of undermining Türkiye’s democratic institutions, questioning their commitment to the nation.
He pointed out that the opposition has often sought power through anti-democratic means, aligning with terrorist groups to challenge the government.
The opposition parties have collaborated with terror organizations and anti-democratic forces. They will not succeed in weakening the will of the people.
President and AK Party Chairman Recep Tayyip Erdogan
He criticized TUSIAD for attempting to manipulate politics through financial power, declaring that “the era of backroom politics is over.”
Addressing Türkiye’s economic transformation
Erdogan outlined the party’s ambitious economic vision, highlighting the country’s progress under AK Party rule and making a case for continued growth and stability.
He praised Türkiye’s growing economic indicators, noting that per capita income had soared from $3,600 to $13,243. He emphasized that Türkiye’s economic future was bright, with further growth expected in the coming years.
He affirmed that inflation would continue to decrease, thereby improving purchasing power of Turkish citizens.
He also touted Türkiye’s rise in global defense technology, becoming the world’s leading drone producer and ranked 11th in defense exports.
Reforms, future goals
Erdogan outlined a broad reform program aimed at securing Türkiye’s economic and social future. These reforms would focus on areas such as economic transformation, green and digital technologies, and social policies.
Key reform areas:
- Economic transformation aimed at sustainable growth.
- Promoting green and digital changes, especially in production and innovation.
- Strengthening social policies to ensure a fairer and more inclusive society.
- Revisions to the judicial system to improve fairness and transparency.
The new reforms will provide a strong foundation for a prosperous and inclusive future for Türkiye and its citizens.
President and AK Party Chairman Recep Tayyip Erdogan
Economic, demographic policies
Erdogan provided a roadmap for Türkiye’s future economic development, emphasizing the importance of structural reforms and addressing demographic challenges.
- Investment and housing: He announced new policies to stimulate investment in Türkiye’s local markets, including a plan to build affordable housing and manage rising property prices.
- Population policy: Acknowledging the country’s demographic challenges, Erdogan revealed plans to address Türkiye’s declining birth rates through new population policies.
We are entering a new era where Türkiye’s economy will be driven by local investments, innovation, and job creation.
President and AK Party Chairman Recep Tayyip Erdogan
National security, counterterrorism efforts
National security and the fight against terrorism remained key components of Erdogan’s message. He emphasized the AK Party would continue to combat terrorist organizations domestically and internationally.
- Terrorism: He reiterated his commitment to eliminating terrorism from Türkiye’s borders and breaking free from the “terror wall.”
- FETO and fight against the terror group: Erdogan declared that the Fetullah Terrorist Organization (FETO) was in the process of disintegration and promised continued efforts to dismantle the organization both within Türkiye and abroad.
Türkiye’s future on global stage
Erdogan portrayed Türkiye as a rising global power, emphasizing the country’s increasing role in regional and international politics.
He projected that Türkiye’s growing economic strength would elevate the nation to a major player on the global stage, both in terms of defense and economic influence.
Türkiye is standing at the threshold of a new, transformative era. We will rise, and our place in the world will be strengthened.
President and AK Party Chairman Recep Tayyip Erdogan
New political landscape: A call for unity
Erdogan concluded his speech by calling for national unity and political stability as Türkiye moves toward a new phase of growth and development.
Türkiye has changed, and so must the politics. We will build a new Türkiye, one that is stronger, fairer, and more united.
President and AK Party Chairman Recep Tayyip Erdogan
He emphasized that the AK Party would continue to work for the benefit of the people, rejecting divisive politics and promoting unity.
