President Erdogan hails AK Party's 25-year 'historic transformation' of Türkiye

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan declared that the Justice and Development (AK) Party's 25-year journey has orchestrated a "historic transformation" across Türkiye, as he reflected on the party's founding anniversary. In a commemorative article published Friday, Erdogan recalled the party's establishment on August 14, 2001, with a mission to reshape the nation's trajectory, strengthen state-citizen bonds, and secure Türkiye's decision-making autonomy. "Nothing will ever be the same in Türkiye again," he asserted, emphasizing that the people's will remained the party's ultimate source of confidence.

Democratic Consolidation and National Resilience

The Turkish leader highlighted the AK Party's role as a "common hope" for millions who faced rights restrictions and economic hardships. Over the past quarter-century, democratic legitimacy has been reinforced, public service delivery enhanced, and civic participation expanded. Erdogan cited the July 15, 2016 coup attempt as a pivotal test of democratic resolve, noting that the Turkish people's defiant stance against extra-constitutional interventions marked a turning point in ending tutelage politics and strengthening civilian governance.

Infrastructure, Defense, and Technological Leaps

Erdogan underscored substantial investments in education, healthcare, transportation, energy, and urban development, which have broadened public services nationwide. He pointed to groundbreaking achievements in defense and high technology, including domestically produced unmanned aerial vehicles, the KAAN fighter jet, naval vessels, and air defense systems. The TOGG electric vehicle, Türkiye's space program, nuclear energy projects, and Black Sea natural gas discoveries exemplify the nation's growing self-reliance. Looking ahead, Erdogan pledged to channel accumulated experience into breakthroughs in artificial intelligence, semiconductors, and advanced manufacturing.

Global Influence and Humanitarian Vision

Türkiye has emerged as a pivotal actor in an increasingly multipolar world, pursuing a multidimensional foreign policy grounded in national interests, diplomacy, and humanitarian responsibility, Erdogan said. He reaffirmed Türkiye's commitments as a strong NATO ally, active G20 member, and leading voice in the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, while reiterating his signature call that "the world is bigger than five," advocating for UN Security Council reform. Addressing challenges from terrorism to the 2023 earthquakes, Erdogan vowed continued reconstruction efforts and a renewed fight against inflation, framing the "Century of Türkiye" as a shared vision for the Republic's second century.