Erdoğan addresses millions at Great Istanbul Meeting, saying: Anti-Türkiye bloc will get response on May 14

On Sunday, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan delivered a speech to nearly 2 million citizens gathered for the 'Great Istanbul Meeting' at Atatürk Airport Nation's Garden. 'Europe's newspapers and magazines are watching here now. They wonder what's going on at Atatürk Airport. Anti-Türkiye bloc will experience disappointment. Here we give the answer. Are we claiming the gains on May 14? Do we protect the future of our children?' Erdoğan told the crowd of millions. The Turkish leader expressed the desire to attract investors and urged the banks to provide the necessary credit. Erdoğan emphasized that more investment would result in increased employment opportunities. He also highlighted the potential economic benefits of their country's natural resources, such as Black Sea gas and Gabar oil, which could contribute to the nation's development. Additionally, Erdoğan mentioned the recent announcement of defense industry projects with an export potential of up to 65 billion dollars. Erdoğan stated: 'Our administration took office with a vision to strengthen Türkiye on four foundation stones. The AK Party government has since focused on addressing the country's infrastructure shortcomings in various sectors. Going forward, the administration plans to prioritize the allocation of resources towards energy and defense, with the goal of benefiting Turkish citizens.' Erdoğan dismissed a global campaign launched by some Western powers calling for his removal and criticized the opposition bloc -- including CHP, HDP and IYI Party -- by questioning their stance on LGBTQ+ issues. He emphasized that the AK Party and MHP have never supported the LGBTQ+ community and the People's Alliance would continue to do the same. The Turkish leader said his government has tripled the national income over the past 21 years. 'In 21 years, we have provided jobs and food to 21 million people added to our population. We built 10.5 million new houses in 21 years and provided families home.' He criticized the Turkish opposition over their inimical rhetoric on homegrown drones and combat drones, and pledged to further enhance the country's defense industry. Erdoğan also said his government is implementing the 'Great Istanbul Tunnel Project,' which he said 'will be the third tube to run through beneath the Sea of Marmara.' 'We are preparing Istanbul for the Century of Türkiye, and Istanbul will be the locomotive for the rise of the Century of Türkiye,' he added. The elections in Türkiye will take place on May 14. On the presidential ballot, voters will choose between President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who is seeking reelection, leading opposition candidate Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu, Muharrem Ince, and Sinan Ogan. Meanwhile, 24 political parties and 151 independent candidates are vying for seats in the 600-member Turkish parliament.

Erdoğan addresses millions at Great Istanbul Meeting, saying: Anti-Türkiye bloc will get response on May 14

As a part of the campaign for presidential and parliamentary elections on May 14, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan delivered a speech to a great number of Turkish citizens gathered for the "Great Istanbul Meeting" at Atatürk Airport Nation's Garden on Sunday.