Erdoğan expresses discomfort with criticism against his “former” government

Although constitutionally not allowed as the president of the country, Mr. Erdoğan has expressed discomfort with criticism of the government (he served as prime minister) coming from opposition parties.

Erdoğan speaking at a ceremony hosted at his presidential palace said “Twelve years ago, when we took this office, the Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Livestock was in ruin and had run out. There was virtually a Turkey that was dependent on outside financial sources for everything, from A to Z. However, now there is a Turkey settled on the 1st row in Europe and 7th row in the world”.

He continued to say “From time to time, during my prime ministry, I used to see opposition parties jabbering about. One cannot, of course, bear this. Because what would opposition parties come to with an understanding that does not even tolerate the progress their own country has made?”

Founded in August, 2001, the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) has been in power since 2002, winning three consecutive parliamentary elections in 2002, 2007 and 2011. The next parliamentary election is scheduled to take place on June 7.

Erdoğan was elected as president in August 2014 during the country’s first-ever presidential election by popular vote.

SOURCE: MEDIA