Erdogan sworn in, urges unity as he begins new presidential term
ANKARA (Reuters) – President Recep Tayyip Erdogan called on Turks to put aside their differences and focus on the future as he assumed office for a new five-year term on Saturday.
Erdogan was sworn in at a ceremony at the parliament in Ankara and will later name a new cabinet whose make-up is expected to signal a possible change of direction in economic policy, including an end to an era of low interest rates.
At an inauguration ceremony at the presidential palace, Erdogan struck a conciliatory tone.
“We will embrace all 85 million people regardless of their political views... Let’s put aside the resentment of the election period. Let’s look for ways to reconcile,” he said. “Together, we must look ahead, focus on the future, and try to say new things. We should try to build the future by learning from the mistakes of the past.”
The ceremony was attended by high-level officials from countries
and international organizations including NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg, Venezuelan President
Nicolas Maduro, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban and Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan.
Earlier, reading out the oath of office, Erdogan vowed to protect Turkey’s independence and integrity, to abide by the constitution, and to follow the principles of Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, founder of the modern secular republic.
Turkey’s longest-serving leader, Erdogan won 52.2% support in a May 28 runoff vote. His election victory defied most opinion polls and came despite a cost-of-living crisis that was seen to have hurt his prospects.
His new mandate will allow Erdogan to pursue the increasingly authoritarian policies that have polarized the country, a NATO member, but strengthened its position as a regional military power.
Analysts have said that if current policies continue, the economy is heading for turmoil given depleted foreign reserves, an expanding statebacked protected deposits scheme, and unchecked inflation expectations.