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Erdoğan calls Turkish democracy 'winner of May 28 presidential runoff'

In a powerful speech delivered to thousands of his supporters gathered in front of the presidential complex in Ankara, Turkish leader Recep Tayyip Erdoğan emphasized that the victory in the election was not solely theirs, but rather a triumph for the entire nation of Türkiye. He highlighted that all segments of Turkish society, united under the banner of democracy, emerged as winners.

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Erdoğan calls Turkish democracy winner of May 28 presidential runoff

In the first round of the election on May 14, no candidate got the 50% needed for an outright victory, triggering the presidential runoff, though Erdoğan took the lead with 49.52%.

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Erdoğan calls Turkish democracy winner of May 28 presidential runoff

Parliamentary elections were also held that day, with Erdoğan's electoral alliance winning a majority of seats.

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Erdoğan calls Turkish democracy winner of May 28 presidential runoff

"In one of the most important elections of our multi-party political history, our nation made its decision in favor of the 'Century of Türkiye,'" said Erdoğan.

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Erdoğan calls Turkish democracy winner of May 28 presidential runoff

"In the first round of the elections, our nation had already demonstrated its legislative preference by giving the majority of the members of the Turkish Grand National Assembly to the People's Alliance."

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Erdoğan calls Turkish democracy winner of May 28 presidential runoff

The president also thanked each and every member of the nation who gave him the responsibility to govern the country for the next five years.

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Erdoğan calls Turkish democracy winner of May 28 presidential runoff

"I would like to thank all of my citizens who stood up for their will and proved the strength of our democracy by going to the polls at home and abroad, regardless of which party or candidate they chose on May 14 or May 28," he said.

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Erdoğan calls Turkish democracy winner of May 28 presidential runoff

Erdoğan vowed to devote all his time and energy to work, serving the country.

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Erdoğan calls Turkish democracy winner of May 28 presidential runoff

"Healing the wounds of the Feb. 6 earthquakes, the disaster of the century, and restoring our demolished cities will continue to be at the top of our priorities," he added.

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Erdoğan calls Turkish democracy winner of May 28 presidential runoff

Turning to the economy, he said addressing problems caused by inflation is the "most urgent" priority.

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Erdoğan calls Turkish democracy winner of May 28 presidential runoff

"We will continue with confidence and stability. We are planning a production-based economy focused on internationally-reputed financial management, investment and employment," he added.

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Erdoğan calls Turkish democracy winner of May 28 presidential runoff

Erdoğan also promised to implement a system that will reduce input prices in agriculture and livestock, increase producer income, and facilitate consumer access.

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Erdoğan calls Turkish democracy winner of May 28 presidential runoff

On the voluntary return of Syrian refugees, Erdoğan said: "So far, we have facilitated the voluntary return of nearly 600,000 people to safe areas on Syrian territory.

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Erdoğan calls Turkish democracy winner of May 28 presidential runoff

"Through a new resettlement project we are carrying out with Qatar, we will ensure the return of 1 million more people in a few years."

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Erdoğan calls Turkish democracy winner of May 28 presidential runoff

More than 3.7 million Syrians currently reside in Türkiye, making it the world's top refugee-hosting country.

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Erdoğan calls Turkish democracy winner of May 28 presidential runoff

Following the start of a civil war in Syria in 2011, Türkiye adopted an "open-door" policy for Syrians fleeing persecution and brutality.

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Erdoğan calls Turkish democracy winner of May 28 presidential runoff

Syria has been embroiled in a vicious civil war since early 2011, when the Bashar al-Assad regime cracked down on pro-democracy protests with unexpected ferocity.

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Erdoğan calls Turkish democracy winner of May 28 presidential runoff

Hundreds of thousands of people have been killed and more than 10 million others displaced, according to UN estimates.

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Erdoğan calls Turkish democracy winner of May 28 presidential runoff

Meanwhile, at the presidential complex, Erdoğan's supporters celebrated his election victory by singing songs written for the president.