Democracy is winner of Turkish elections: Erdoğan

ANKARA

Democracy is the winner of Sunday’s presidential and parliamentary elections, President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan said early on June 25.

Addressing the nation from the balcony of Justice and Development Party (AKP) headquarters in the capital Ankara after his election victory, Erdoğan said every one of 81 million Turkish citizens is a winner.

“The winners of the June 24 elections are Turkey, the Turkish nation, the sufferers of our region and all oppressed in the world,” he said.

The president also thanked the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) leader, members, and voters.

“I would like to express my gratitude to my people and my brothers and sisters who put their trust in me, my alliance, and my party,” he said.

Erdoğan pointed out the benefits of forming alliances in the elections. “As you see, this [alliance] has become beneficial both for other [political] parties and our country,” he said.

The president said he received the citizens’ message in the polls. “In this term, we will be before our nation and make up for our shortcomings,” said Erdoğan.

“Starting from tomorrow, we will be in a rush trying to deliver on promises that we have made to our nation,” he said.

He also said his government would confront terror groups more decisively. “We will increase our country’s international reputation,” he added.

“Immediately after the oath-taking ceremony, we will start implementing our program by identifying our bureaucrats,” Erdogan said, vowing to work day and night as “we have no single moment to lose.”

“Turkey has decided to take the side of growth, development, investment, enrichment and a reputable, honorable and influential country in all areas in the world,” Erdoğan said.

As it happened: Erdoğan re-elected president, 'People's Alliance' wins majority at parliament