President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan said yesterday that no one can see themselves above the common cause of the Justice and Development Party (AK Party), including himself.
Speaking at the 26th Consultation and Assessment meeting of the AK Party in central Afyonkarahisar province, President Erdoğan cautioned party members about the 2019 elections while emphasizing the importance of the changes. "Some people are trying to distort our statements on the changes within the AK Party, although what we said is quite clear. No one can see themselves above our cause, including myself. Each member of this cause is a hero with the services they provide," the president stated, while adding that he is proud of being a member of this family.
The ruling party has entered a new era following President Erdoğan's return to the party in late May. After the constitutional changes were approved in the April 16 referendum, which allowed President Erdoğan to re-establish his ties with the AK Party, the party held an emergency convention on May 21. Since then, the Cabinet has been reshuffled and Erdoğan has repeatedly spoken of "mental fatigue" within the party. "Our fellow friends in successful branches will, of course, continue their duties, but I guess you can also agree that comprehensive change is necessary in our local administrations," Erdoğan said earlier in July.
"Fellowship over our cause does not depend on the individuals. We have everyone present at this meeting right now from our founders to deputies, women and youth branches to families. Even though no one knows or appreciates it, I am very well aware of each and every service you provide. I am grateful to God that you are here. I am grateful to God that I have had the opportunity to go through through this journey with you," Erdoğan added.
Referring to the 2019 elections, the president emphasized that there should not be a difference between the parliamentary elections and the presidential elections. "As you can see, we don't have any second to waste. We will work hard. Our prime minister, ministers and I will rush around no matter what. The services will continue to be provided as always. Where we fail to reach does not belong to us. We will accept this fact as it is," he said.