He underlined the significance of keeping morale at a high level to cope with the hurdles of last year’s global economic crisis and said attempts to undermine the masses’ hopes of recovery will only have an adverse effect on the economy and worsen the situation.
All issues pertaining to Turkey’s domestic policies and its economic situation are becoming matters of harsh controversy among the elite classes and are expanding the already vast divides within society, Erdoğan stated. Using the Titanic as a metaphor, the prime minister added, “Those staying in steerage on the Titanic contributed a lot to its sinking, but in Turkey’s case, it’s the first-class passengers who are scuttling the ship.”
His reaction primarily targeted the opposition. The prime minister said a certain part of society, especially the opposition, is not pleased with the country’s development and so is fanning the flames by using claims that there are deep conflicts among different state institutions.
Erdoğan was speaking on Saturday in Ankara at the 6th General Assembly Meeting organized by the Anatolian Lion’s Business Association (ASKON), with a theme of “The Ascendancy of Righteousness.” He conveyed his gratitude to the businessmen for their “invaluable contribution” to the country’s economy, trade, production, exports and employment.
In addition, ASKON presented awards in the fields of telecommunications and real sector performance. The business news editor of Zaman daily, Turhan Bozkurt, received ASKON’s award for “Best Editor” from the prime minister.
