Former Turkish president confirms no return to politics

ISTANBUL

AA Photo

Former President Abdullah Gül confirmed on March 13 that he would not run for parliament at the upcoming general election in June, putting an end to debates about his short-term political future.

“The things said and written about me are completely out of my hands,” Gül told reporters in Istanbul, referring to speculation about his rumored return to active politics after handing over the presidential chair to Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.

“At the moment I have no such plan … I will not be active in politics at this time,” he added.

Gül said he would continue to “use his knowledge and experience on behalf of the nation,” but he did not need to be active in politics at the president time.

“My friends have taken over the responsibilities. I want them to be successful. I will try to help by sharing my thoughts and ideas with them when necessary,” he said.

Erdoğan recently sparked media speculation after saying it would be “felicitous and propitious” if Gül declares his candidacy to run in the upcoming general elections. Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoğlu also supported Erdoğan’s endorsement for the return of Gül to the ruling party.

Bülent Arınç, the deputy prime minister who is also among the AKP’s founders, described Erdoğan’s remarks as a “light of hope.”