'AKP, I can no longer act like we did before coup attempt,’ Erdoğan says

“We can no longer act like we did before July 15. None of us can, including me as the president,” he said in a video message aired at an event commemorating the 15th anniversary of the AKP’s foundation at the party headquarters in Ankara on Aug. 14. 

“In the same vein, the AK Party – which has been governing Turkey for the past 14 years – cannot act like it used to either,” he said, adding that he believed the opposition parties also had the same understanding.      

“I hope that non-governmental organizations, media, professional organizations, and all groups representing different dispositions and schools [of thought] also feel the same way,” he added.      

The AKP is responsible to all Turkish citizens following last month’s failed coup, the president said.    
  
“After July 15, you [AK Party] are unconditionally responsible to all Turkish people no matter what party they voted for,” Erdoğan said.      

He vowed once again to eradicate the Fethullahist Terrorist Organization (FETÖ), which has been held responsible for the July 15 coup attempt.      

“It is our binding duty to bring traitors to account and eradicate FETÖ,” he said.      

Erdoğan also recalled the Aug. 7 cross-party Democracy and Martyrs’ Rally in Istanbul, which saw the participation of millions of people.      

“The chairmen of political parties and people from all walks of life, who gathered at Istanbul’s Yenikapı [Square] on Aug. 7, became the harbingers of a new door being opened in front of our country. I believe that Turkey will protect this new door until the end in the name of unity, solidarity and fraternity,” he said.