OUR VISION FOR THE NEW TURKEY
For the first time in Turkey’s history, Turkish citizens will directly elect the President, who represents the Republic and its national unity.This historic election entails a revolution that could potentially transform a range of areas, including the Constitution, the function of government institutions, social peace and Turkey's role in world politics.
Notwithstanding elitist advocates of the status quo, the guardianship regime and the political parties that support them, the majority of the nation has expressed and maintained their determination and demand for change.
The upcoming election will settle the score between a movement for change, democracy, transparency and prosperity, and the proponents of guardianship, obscurity and economic oligarchy.
As always, the people will protect their voice, safeguard their unity and take charge of their future.
Since 2002, we have worked hard to address Turkey's most fundamental problems with courage and determination. While building a stable and growing economy, we took historic steps to institute democracy, human rights and a reputable foreign policy.
As a movement that led this transformation, facilitated by a stronger democracy and more prosperity, we concentrated our efforts on four core areas over the past 12 years:
Democratization
Prosperity
Urban development
International relations
The first great transformation took place in the area of democracy. Today, Turkey is much more democratic than it was 12 years ago. Despite various challenges, we never made concessions regarding the broader goal of democratization, and thus tackled certain elements that advocated guardianship to silence the people. Turkey's democracy became stronger than ever as the state's role was redefined as the servant of the nation.
Increasing prosperity marked another key development. We replaced a mindset that had deprived the people of proper education, healthcare, transportation, environment, energy and defense for decades. Today, Turkey's wealth and prosperity has visibly grown. At the same time, we made significant efforts to reduce the national debt and curb inflation, and improved social benefits in accordance with the objective of spreading wealth across the social spectrum.
The third transformation occurred in the cities as the rule of the elites, who ignored the deprivation of the masses in favor of those deemed worthy of urban communities, came to an end. During our tenure, we transformed municipalities into units that perform necessary tasks in an active, speedy, responsible and comprehensive manner.
The quality of life among urban residents improved as cities became equipped with new hospitals, roads, parks and schools. Democracy at the local level became stronger and major restoration projects unearthed the historic character of Turkey's cities. Today, urban centers are better organized, more modern, greener and healthier living spaces. Furthermore, municipalities compete to provide services through cutting-edge technology and novel methods.
The fourth transformation took place with regard to international relations, as Turkey has gained greater credibility in the international arena. Today, the country's reputation exceeds the boundaries of the region and evokes respect and friendship across the globe.
The people of Turkey no longer live in fear of political and economic turmoil, but instead look to the future with confidence.
The nation experiences quality services, rather than deprivation, in a range of areas, including education, healthcare, transportation, housing, justice and security.
Turkey is a top provider, rather than receiver, of aid; therefore, it has become a country that leads, not follows.
Turkey welcomes a variety of identities, beliefs and lifestyles, as citizens are no longer banned from schools and public buildings due to their attire or religious affiliation.
Our citizens are more prosperous, liberated, respected, confident and hopeful today than ever before.
The Republic's centennial in 2023 marks a major turning point for the nation. We must make additional progress in politics, the economy, culture, science and the quality of life. Our efforts reflect our commitment to this goal.
Since the people will elect the country's next president, the upcoming election marks the beginning of a historic period.
Over the past 12 years, the people's desire for and commitment to change served as the driving force behind Turkey's progress. Despite provocations, conspiracies and attacks, the people rallied behind Parliament, which reflected their views, welcomed the reforms, and supported the movement for change.
The people, in turn, have time and again defeated the advocates of the status quo and opponents of change, who have nothing to offer to the nation.
Over the years, the people have voiced their demand for transformation in an increasingly strong fashion. It was this demand that led the nation to vote to directly elect the president in the 2007 constitutional referendum, despite objections from the opposition parties. Therefore, the 2014 presidential race was deemed particularly significant.
For 12 years, the nation has asked that the political leadership continue its reform efforts. The upcoming election will serve as a manifestation of their determination.
Our vision for the New Turkey builds on past achievements to establish greater objectives. From now on, Turkey should progress towards its centennial goals in democracy, prosperity, urban development and international relations.
We must undertake new works with quality and aesthetics while addressing remaining problems. In terms of housing, urban architecture, education, healthcare, culture and transportation, quality and aesthetics must come first.
Turkey's outlook must reflect world standards. The country's political borders cannot put restraints on our progress. Heir to a great civilization of tolerance and pluralism, Turkey should be open to the world. We approach each person, each region and all good things with friendship. This is how our nation should raise the next generation. Business people, artists, bureaucrats, diplomats, educators and academics must widen their perspective to appreciate their culture. Pluralism, one of our society's past accomplishments, should be Turkey's contribution to the world. Intellectual, artistic and business circles should turn this legacy into a novel perspective.
Our goal is to meet the following targets by 2023:
To further consolidate democracy
To complete political and social normalization
To generate greater prosperity for Turkey's society
To become one of the world's leading countries
The people's support will help achieve the ideal of living in a fully democratic, strong, prosperous and developed country.
The construction of the New Turkey, which began with the AK Party's 12-year rule, will enter its brightest stage with the President's popular election.
Building the future necessitates the formation of realistic and healthy ties to the past. We embrace all of Turkey's history and use it as the foundation of self-awareness and redefining our identity. This solid ground strengthens our will to build the country's future in solidarity with others, and ensures our acknowledgement by other societies.
The Republic represents part and parcel of this great history. We are aware that it was established through introverted, hierarchical and homogenizing methods. Today, however, political dynamics are completely different. We live in a world where engagement, equality and pluralism are desirable. The New Turkey will thrive on this platform and continue its growth.
We all come from diverse communities that lived side by side under the Ottoman Empire. The time has come to cast aside the 20th century's efforts to fight diversity with uniformity, and all problems that such an approach entailed. We become increasingly aware that diversity is power, rather than weakness, as long as we can respect and appreciate our differences.
We recognize that the future calls for a multicultural and pluralistic civilization; therefore, we are willing to play any positive role with which history shall present us.
Our vision for 2023, the Republic's centennial, is the New Turkey.
With this declaration, we share our vision for the New Turkey. This document describes our approach to public administration, politics and the world on the road to 2023. It also embodies our ideals, expectations and objectives. We hereby would like to share with the people what kind of a country we envision and what we expect from the future.
We will work tirelessly to reach the goal of the New Turkey and make this ideal come true in solidarity with the entire nation, regardless of their political ideology and social, religious and ethnic identity.
The New Turkey represents a country where the state makes peace with the nation. We are building a country that derives power from and takes pride in its history, culture, language and geography.
The New Turkey refers to growth, development and strength.
It embodies greater pluralism and diversity.
The New Turkey entails social prosperity, a large economy, political stability and advanced democracy.
Finally, the New Turkey represents a nation that is a global player, and whose citizens take pride in where they are from.
The New Turkey will be more open to the world and transparent.
The New Turkey will serve regional and world peace, justice and fairness.
It will engage with the global community and embark on global efforts.
The New Turkey shall lead through information, production and administration.
The New Turkey will reach new heights and lead in education, culture, energy, transportation, healthcare and the environment.
It represents a leading country in production, sports, science and exports.
The New Turkey will attract the world's attention with regard to finance, healthcare, education and culture.
The New Turkey will be the center of a civilization whose self-confident, free, responsible and virtuous people celebrate each other's differences and stand together in solidarity.
The New Turkey shall be great and pioneering.
DEMOCRATIC GOVERNMENT
2.1. Our Notion of DemocracyThe Republic of Turkey was founded to surpass the advanced civilizations of the time and give the people complete control over the government. There were certain times in our 91-year history when the country lost sight of this goal and elitist approaches caused political leaders to distrust and scorn Turkish citizens.
At this point, we are pleased and proud to see that pro-tutelage attitudes have largely vanished and to be part of the popularly-rooted notion of politics.
It is our understanding that the main purpose of politics is to ensure people's happiness, peace and welfare.
We believe that Turkey's philosophy of government should follow the maxim: "Let people live that the state may survive." This democratic vision positions the state as the servant, rather than the master, of the people. Our pluralistic and liberal notion of democracy calls for the establishment of platforms where individuals and various social groups can freely express themselves.
We regard democracy as a process that requires the people's input. Democracy is an ideal model to represent the people and ensure the country's welfare and power.
For us, democracy prevents the majority from dominating the minority and vice versa. It is a form of government whereby decision-making processes depend on a pluralistic approach, all actions are subject to objective supervision based on universal legal norms, and various groups and organizations, including NGOs, the media and professional associations, play an active role.
We initiated the greatest democratization movement in the Republic's history. In order to facilitate the functioning and ideal implementation of democracy with its entire range of institutions and rules, we led various social groups and embarked on a great struggle. We replaced tutelage with the popular reflection on government institutions and organizations.
On the road to 2023, Turkey aims to catch up with the standards of advanced democracies. For this purpose, we must intensify our efforts and implement reforms to promote not only political representation but also political participation.
We must empower democracy not only as a political model, but also as a culture.
A liberal approach should become more prevalent in the formation of political parties, the preparation of their charters and programs, their organization and the promotion of intra-party democracy. By amending the restrictive elements of the Constitution and our laws, we should expand and liberalize the domain of politics.
On the road to 2023, we must eliminate legal requirements that impose uniform organizational structures on different political parties. Instead, Turkey should aim to implement new laws to safeguard the right of political parties to freely emerge, organize, and campaign.
All legal arrangements must be made to ensure maximal democratic representation, elevation of democratic standards and proximity of people to their representatives by allowing citizens to know and contact elected officials.
On the road to 2023, our goal is to promote individual rights and liberties across the board and in accordance with universal standards. It is crucial for the state to establish a healthier relationship with its citizens. Turkey should become a model with social and domestic peace by expanding rights and liberties, most notably the right to live as well as the freedom of religion and conscience.
We must continue to show zero tolerance for any violations of human rights and make sure that preventive mechanisms against human rights violations, discrimination and alienation work more effectively.
2.2. Our Notion of Government
Our notion of government rests on trust and respect for the people. The people's will represents the greatest reassurance and most notable source of power for us. The representation and continuity of the people's views serve as the most important element of a consolidated democracy. We have always opposed any form of guardianship, and will continue to do so.
Our notion of government revolves around the people. We believe that each member of the nation is valuable; therefore, we will never approach the people in a divisive manner. Unity, solidarity and the people's will always come first for us. We view our differences as a source of our richness, rather than a weakness. We responded to segregationists, rejectionists and denialists by standing for and praising the people.
Our notion of government firmly rests upon the culture of compromise, which allows social and cultural differences to manifest themselves in the domain of politics.
We believe that political culture, which influences the nation's governmental affairs, must rely on compromise, integration and tolerance – as opposed to conflict and polarization. We addressed tensions between religion and the state, religion and politics, the state and its citizens, and tradition and modernity, which have been common features of Turkish politics for decades. We continue to struggle against all attempts to contain popular sentiments with courage and determination.
Our notion of government embodies the politics of unity, which rests upon the recognition, and reconciliation of differences. Since 2002, we have stood in solidarity with each individual whose identity was threated by denialism, rejectionism and assimilation. We have continuously expanded the domain of individual rights and liberties, strengthened the rule of law and supported Turkey's democracy.
We have opposed all movements that seek to discriminate, alienate and divide, and remain committed to this principle. Our democratic cause maintains that there is unity within diversity and diversity within unity.
Our notion of government serves as a confluence of common values and a shared type of politics for individuals with different political backgrounds. We will carry our political vision, which unites and embraces different groups, into the next stage.
None of the political, economic, social and cultural reforms that we have implemented since 2002 sought to benefit a specific part of society. Instead, we aimed to safeguard our national interests and pursue a better future. Thus, we powered Turkey's growth and became the guarantor of its unity and integrity.
Our notion of government staunchly opposes any form of tutelage, old and new. We believe that totalitarian and authoritarian notions are adversaries of democratic politics and we have not allowed any anti-democratic scheme to deprive the people of their voice.
In line with the rule of law and universal values, we deem it necessary for objective rules and laws to limit the power of government and state institutions. Let us recall that government derives its legitimacy from the people. As such, we believe that the state ought to serve, rather than order, the people. Government is an instrument defined, monitored and shaped by the people – not the other way around. A state can only become mighty if it maintains a bond of trust with the people, and completely embraces all citizens.
Our notion of government reflects a reformist view that aligns the state, government institutions and various processes with democracy.
Our notion of government relies on a principled and coherent approach. With regard to the values, principles and traditions that the nation holds dear, we remain loyal to the maxim: "The sole haven of politics is morality."
Our notion of government revolves around dynamism and change, rather than inertia and clichés. Since 2002, we have overseen the most comprehensive transformation in the Republic's history, and implemented reforms to democratize the country.
Our notion of government involves thinking big. We tackled all pressing problems that the people experienced in a range of areas, including healthcare, education, transportation, agriculture, energy and industry. We led a successful charge against gangs and illegal organizations. The progress we made in key areas such as the Cyprus conflict, the Armenian question, the democratic opening and civil-military relations attest to this fact. Whilst addressing individual problems, we never lost sight of the big picture.
Our notion of government is solution-driven. We analyzed the entire system of government in Turkey and transformed the political process from the source of problem to a platform for solutions.
Our solution-driven approach expanded the domain of politics and increased the relevance, influence and credibility of the political process to bring about a silent revolution.
A strong people lay at the heart of a strong democracy, and a strong state is rooted in a strong people. Democracy is the only form of government where the people can express their problems and demands without hindrance and thereby make the government, to whom they delegate the power to address problems, more relevant.
Since 2002, we have worked to normalize Turkish politics with an emphasis on the people's demands and democracy. We have implemented crucial legal reforms for this purpose and took major steps to promote the rule of law, democracy and human rights, and have caught up with universal standards in these areas, thereby increasing political freedoms.
On the road to 2023, we will further strengthen our democracy, improve the platform for democratic politics, expand the domain of pluralism and promote a culture of compromise. We will ensure that the democratic and liberal reforms that we enacted will go further, despite challenges from the remnants of outdated, anti-diversity and pro-guardianship shadow states.
We will further nurture our national unity, fraternity and social harmony to stand tall in the face of all efforts to divide the nation through artificial tensions.
Our counterpart is the nation and the future.
We pursue unity, which brings us together.
We pursue and call for reconstruction.
We pursue a pluralistic, egalitarian and participatory democracy, to which we invite all citizens to contribute.
Each member of our society plays a role in this process. We have a common destiny, future and power.
We welcome whomever works for their country.
All citizens of Turkey, who have diverse religious, sectarian and ethnic backgrounds as well as different ideas and political preferences, are equal and essential parts of this country. The element of citizenship serves as the ultimate common ground for everyone.
We join together with all citizens who take charge and demand renewal and transformation of the status quo.
We join forces with anyone claiming ownership of Turkey's future.
We shall walk together to further strengthen the New Turkey.
Our vision for the New Turkey rest upon three principles:
Democratic politics
Open society
Rule of law
2.3. Political Transformation
We are proud of the Republic's legacy. This, however, does not mean we approve of certain wrong, misguided and harmful practices in the past.
The Parliament, and not a political party founded the Republic. Hence the rightful owner of the Republic is the people, not a political party. A look into the first Parliament demonstrates this fact. In many ways, the 1921 Constitution's emphasis on the unity between state and society would serve as a notable manifestation of this phenomenon. We must safeguard the positive aspects of the Republic's legacy and continuously improve the standards of our democracy.
The transformation that Turkey completed in recent years serves as a fertile ground for additional and more advanced stages. Social and political change, without a doubt, calls for the transformation of political, bureaucratic, economic and cultural structures.
From the start, we aimed to repair the partially broken ties between the nation and the state, and between different identity groups and the state. For this purpose, we must undertake the following:
Political transformation
Social integration
Institutional transformation
These transformative processes coincide with democracy and trust. Liberty needs trust and reassurances to survive and fit into a broader institutional framework.
We took important steps to transform what once was an imperious, elitist and bureaucratic state into an instrument of service for the people with strong democratic credentials.
In this new era, the state assumed a transparent character whose mandate and resources reflect the people's demands and are open to the monitoring of citizens.
Social integration represents the second area of transformation. Urbanization and the rising level of education and prosperity transformed society. A social transformation, therefore, is necessary to reconcile the effects of such processes with the various identities and demands of the people, and promote national unity and a common future. The right of all NGOs and charitable foundations to exist and adopt their lifestyle of choice represents a crucial aspect of this objective.
Institutional transformation, in turn, serves as the most critical stage to facilitate the aforementioned processes. As the country experiences change and transformation, government institutions must also be renewed in accordance with popular expectations and societal developments. Institutional change is also necessary for social peace.
New actors have recently emerged to try and bring back the old guardianship regime. A shadow state and certain groups within the judiciary seek to by-pass the people and the popularly-elected Parliament, and undermine its legitimacy to make room for a new form of tutelage. In recent months, Turkey witnessed a series of events that jeopardized the harmony, proper function and responsibilities of government institutions.
The country's priority, therefore, must be to institute harmony between these institutions and ensure their integrity. The office of the President represents the unity of both the state and society. As a representative of the people and head of state, the President is tasked with ensuring that government institutions function effectively and harmoniously.
On the road to 2023, instituting an effective, harmonious and efficient public administration, including all official processes and institutions, will be our priority. Each and every illegal organization and movement that seeks to undermine the people and establish a new guardianship regime will be punished to the full extent of the law. Those individuals, whose efforts to harm Turkey's national interests amount to treason, will receive due punishment. We will by no means allow those striving to disrupt Turkey's social integrity and democracy to reach their goals. The people will always come first.
2.3.1. The Popularly-Elected President
Presidential elections in Turkey have historically been tumultuous events, as the presidency did not derive its legitimacy from the people and was therefore viewed as part of the guardianship regime. When Mr. Abdullah Gül, the country's 11th president, ran for office, the self-proclaimed guardians of the state attempted to derail the electoral process and prevent a member of the AK Party from assuming the position. In turn, we struggled against the so-called guardians to ensure that the Parliament could exercise its constitutional mandate to elect the president. During this period, Turkey took important steps to empower the people and its democracy.
Now, the people will directly elect their president for the first time on August 10, 2014, which will transforms the presidency, the political culture and democracy in Turkey as well as strengthen the legitimacy of this office and the people's connection to the state.
The president shall use all instruments and power that the Constitution recognizes to safeguard human rights and protect the democratic legitimacy of the state.
The situation that will arise from the popular vote for the presidency will make a healthier balance of state power and greater supervision possible.
The presidential election will strengthen and perpetuate political participation. The New Turkey will be a country where the people play a leading role in state-society relations, democracy comes first, and the state functions according to its mandate, responsibility and the principle of accountability.
2.3.2. The New Constitution
The people's ability to elect the President in addition to the Parliament represents a crucial stage for the democratic progress of the New Turkey. The country's existing constitution, however, fails to facilitate the progress, social transformation and various reform initiatives that the country desperately needs due to its current philosophy and structure. In this sense, the constitution fails to live up to the maturity of our people as well as their expectations, mindset and objectives. Outdated approaches and governmental instruments no longer serve the needs of the New Turkey.
Over the years, Turkey adopted a number of constitutions, which – with the exception of the original constitution - were the product of either single-party regimes or military coups.
It is an undeniable fact that many of the social problems that we strive to overcome today are rooted in these misguided constitutional choices.
Established on April 23, 1920, the original Turkish Parliament developed the country's first democratic Constitution with an emphasis on participation and decentralized government administration. This document, which created a democratic balance between the center and the various localities and identified the people's will as the centerpiece of the political process without ideological or ethnic discrimination, was the perfect manifestation of a social contract.
The original Constitution united the diverse parts of Turkey, then – under threat of partition – saved the country by motivating them to voluntarily strive toward a single objective.
However, the 1924 Constitution and its successors gradually moved away from the spirit of 1920, as tutelary tendencies and practices forced the people out of the political process. The state, which was originally intended to function according to the people's wishes, thus assumed a different character to control citizens. When the people spoke up, the military used the Constitution to justify coups. During this period, diversity represented an enemy of the state, which sought to construct a homogeneous society. The people were segregated and compelled to engage in identity politics.
We cannot move forward with the existing Constitution that embodies the above-mentioned tutelary and state-oriented approach. In this sense, the 2007 amendment to allow the people to elect their president and the 2010 constitutional referendum to partly democratize the judiciary marked important, albeit inadequate, steps.
The country's current Constitution does not envision a democratic balance of power nor is it equipped with the necessary monitoring instruments. It follows the belief that the guardians must keep the people in check. The Constitution's strict centralism prevents citizens from participating in the political process. We fundamentally believe that this Constitution, a discriminatory document that was imposed on the people to shape society, must be completely renewed.
A historic opportunity has presented itself for the people of Turkey to make their own peace, shape the state according to their demands and preferences, freely determine their future and – at the end of the day – serve as the guarantor of world peace.
Only a forward-looking Constitution that facilitates social peace can present such a historic opportunity to Turkey.
The people's century-long struggle for democracy serves to consolidate the Republic's democratic achievements and provides us with the ability to establish a democratic constitutional regime.
The people need a new, trustworthy Constitution that can meet their expectations and demands regarding democracy, welfare, power and the future. As such, the country absolutely needs a Constitution that is geared toward the people's sense of confidence and provides necessary reassurances.
The new Constitution must be capable of rising to the challenges that Turkey encounters and of utilizing future opportunities to the people's advantage.
The new Constitution must reflect the most advanced notion of democracy and represent a document of which all social groups can claim ownership; it must emerge out of a highly participatory and democratic process. The new Constitution must be inclusive, not exclusive, and advocate liberty, rather than oppression. Moreover, it must defend diversity in the face of uniformity. The new Constitution must be pluralistic and pro-freedom.
We know that our nation has the resolve to achieve what it did a century ago by enabling the democratic Turkey of the future on the basis of its ancient social contract.
The new Constitution means a new future, and it must be a document to which all 77 million citizens can contribute freely. It must draw lessons from past experiences and maintain positive achievements. The nation expects us to accurately interpret the 21st century and design the country's politics accordingly.
If the people grace us with their votes and elect me as the 12th president of the Republic of Turkey, a priority of our agenda will be leading all efforts to draft a new Constitution in accordance with this vision.
Strengthening Turkey's democracy is a pledge not only for today, but also to the country of tomorrow and for future generations. It is a responsibility that we must bear. We must do our part before further delay.
2.4. Social Integration
Although the Republic was established in the 1920s, different voices within Turkish society had to wait until the 1950 elections to express their opinions in the political arena. It was during this period that a majority of the people, who had opposed various coercive practices in previous decades, sided with liberty.
The 1960 military coup and the subsequent period of military guardianship misdirected the popular demand for normalization and put a bureaucratic, as opposed to democratic, state in place. Thus, the people became a perpetually passive recipient of the bureaucratic state's actions.
Between 1990 and 2002, the rapidly-changing world order gave rise to a multipolar and multidimensional worldview in Turkey and elsewhere, which rekindled demands for change and normalization – to which the bureaucratic state responded with the "postmodern coup" of February 28, 1997. Discriminatory practices, the politics of alienation, and political and economic instability inflicted considerable damage on the people's sense of integrity, unity and belonging.
This top-down approach created such great challenges that it divided citizens of different religious and faith groups who had coexisted for a thousand years and jeopardized the nation's pluralistic culture. Opposition to diversity, unfortunately, put strains on not only political but also social integrity.
We acted to eliminate these problems as well as various impediments to the reflection of popular sentiments at all level of government.
Our approach does not seek to repress the richness of Turkey's social fabric but to reveal each social group's historic ties with others and their desire to build a future together. For this purpose, we adopted a political platform to facilitate social integration, and bring together different groups under the umbrella of democracy and pluralism.
We did, and continue to, reject all forms of religious, sectarian, ethnic and regional discrimination against the rights and identity of others.
If the people show the courtesy of electing me as the 12th President of Turkey, we shall further promote our national unity, fraternity and social harmony on the road to 2023. Furthermore, we shall stand up to anyone who seeks to divide our nation through artificial tensions.
The New Turkey, which celebrates the diversity of society within the context of democracy, human rights and freedom, shall grow stronger during our presidency.
On the road to 2023, we aim to facilitate the emergence of a new mentality that welcomes ethnic, sectarian and religious diversity and crowns them with a spirit of democratic coexistence on the basis of universal principles and values.
2.4.1. Politics of Unity and the Reconciliation Process
Over the past decades, the problem of terrorism claimed tens of thousands of lives, cost the nation hundreds of billions of Lira and hurt the country by creating security, social and political problems. In previous years, the government’s policies either ignored or sought to repress the issue, which aggravated the conflict and effectively placed the people's unity at risk.
As a great state and nation, we are capable of addressing all of our problems within the framework of our civilization's fundamental values, the principle of democratic republic and the Constitution through greater democracy, better citizenship laws and more welfare.
There is no question that the entire nation bears the cost of chronic issues that constantly fuel tensions within the political system and threaten the country's unity. As such, improving the fundamental rights and liberties of citizens, alleviating identity issues, facilitating the participation of all social groups in politics, and seeing all citizens as equal to fight discrimination represent crucial aspects of normalization. In order to tear down the artificial walls between the government and citizens, ensure social restoration, and promote an atmosphere of unity and fraternity, we needed to tackle the various sources of tension and resolve historic issues with contemporary implications.
The main duty of the state is to address all citizens’ problems regardless of their ethnic, religious and sectarian affiliation. The steps that the reconciliation process entails, therefore, bear great importance and must yield results.
The Democratic Opening / National Unity and Fraternity Process, which served as the heading of various reform initiatives that assisted a number of ethnic and religious groups, represented a crucial stage for democratization and the end of terror.
The Democratic Opening process inevitably required a new approach and paradigm. After all, the status quo compelled the nation-state to adopt a discriminatory and exclusionist mindset that undermined diversity and engaged in denialism. This approach identified citizens' various identities as a threat, not a form of richness, and, by extension, generated anti-establishment sentiments among the people.
A paradigm shift and new mindset are importance as methodological changes. Transforming the approaches that deepened the conflict, just like developing a multidimensional strategy to complement security policies, remains a crucial task.
In this context, a mix of regionalized neglect and underdevelopment, as well as discrimination and exclusion, joined forces with the separatist and divisive agenda of ethnic nationalism to pave the way for an armed struggle. By resorting to terrorism to achieve their political goals, certain groups pushed the conflict to a whole new level.
We devised a comprehensive strategy by approaching the situation with socioeconomic reforms and investment to promote regional development, democratic reforms to safeguard basic rights and security policies to discourage terrorist activities. We put an end to denialism, assimilation and rejection for the purpose of allowing each citizen to have equal rights and liberties.
Thus, we put in place the most comprehensive processes of democratic change, transformation and normalization in the nation's history. Through incentives, public investments and educational, health and social benefits, we provided support to the country's Eastern and Southeastern provinces and strived to make up for their past losses. By embracing the entire population, expanding the domain of basic rights and liberties, and promoting each citizen's sense of belonging in the country and trust for government institutions, we took steps that amounted to a "silent revolution."
We always followed the maxim: "Let people live so that the state may survive." Our efforts to stop aggrieved mothers from weeping have fundamentally aimed not only to safeguard national security but also to strengthen our national unity and integrity. We therefore cherish key concepts including the rule of law, justice and human rights. We believe that all human beings have certain inalienable rights by virtue of their birth. These liberties, which represent the common values of humanity, represent the absolute prerequisite of an honorable life under government rule.
The reconciliation process, which requires a paradigm shift, plays a crucial role in shaping a brighter future. There is no room for such hurtful conflicts in the New Turkey, where democracy, basic liberties and human dignity will thrive.
The disarmament and rehabilitation stages of the reconciliation process, which enjoys broad-based support from all government institutions, will eliminate a once-unsolvable problem from the country's agenda.
In the future, political parties will have no choice but to leave aside concerns about their popularity and to participate in the reconciliation process in a responsible manner. Decisions made strictly out of political calculations have historically harmed Turkey’s national interest by rendering the resolution of conflict elusive.
Turkey is eager to make progress. It is inspiring to witness the nation give its support to brave initiatives that aim to stop the bloodshed and dry the tears of aggrieved mothers.
Our vision for 2023 entails a country where no citizen feels underprivileged, weak or marginalized in his or her relations with the state and government institutions. We strive for everyone to consider themselves equal citizens of the country and to work hard for Turkey's development as well as for our shared ideals.
If I, by the grace of God, become Turkey's next president, I pledge to coordinate all government institutions to ensure continued support for the reconciliation process and invite the people to take charge of its progress. As such, I shall remain a close follower and the greatest supporter of the reconciliation process.
God willing, together we shall oversee the completion of this democratic reconciliation process – a project of fraternity and an initiative to get Turkey back on its feet.
2.4.2. State-Religion Relations
The use of secularism as an instrument of coercion and social engineering has turned the relationship between the state and religion into a hotly-debated issue in our society, which embraces democracy, modernization and openness. Previously, the democratic gap in Turkey prevented the accurate interpretation and implementation of the principle of secularism.
The state, however, cannot afford to adopt a certain faith or ethnic identity. Turkish secularism was developed to safeguard the freedom of religion. Religious freedom has been a key feature of our civilization's traditions for centuries.
That the state refrains from assuming a religious character, however, cannot mean that it will remain indifferent toward society's value system. Nor does it require the state to ignore its moral obligations, such as protecting children and their families. Such obligations inevitably require the observation of social ethics regardless of their religious origins.
The permeation of democracy into the operations of the state and society as a whole serves as a reassurance to citizens of all beliefs, religions and ideology. We regard the state as an entity that should instill trust rather than coerce. The state must not interfere in the freedom of its citizens to assemble for any religious or faith-based purpose. The law safeguards such liberties and prevents governmental abuse of these freedoms.
Just as the state must not dominate religion, religious groups should not dominate the state and or impinge upon the freedom of other religious groups. No group should not be allowed to organize within the state to form shadow states and abuse their official power. A democratic state protects citizens against such transgressions.
The state has a responsibility toward religious and faith-based organizations, i.e., civil society organizations, to ensure the freedom of their activities.
As such, civilan initiatives determine the relationship between state and religion. Society must lead its own religious life and develop its own religious interpretations.
Thanks to our advocacy efforts to promote greater democratization and to rein in the pervasive use secularism to pressure religious groups, the true meaning and practice of secularism has been restored. These developments facilitate the broader goal of building a healthy relationship between state and religion.
We have been deeply committed to these efforts since 2002. For instance, we undertook a series of initiatives in order to alleviate the suffering of the Alevi community, making us the first government to tackle these issues in a comprehensive manner. In an unprecedented move, we drew attention to the single-party regime's massacre against the Alevi population in Dersim and formally apologized on behalf of the state. We organized a number of workshops to receive feedback from Alevi organizations and worked with them to identify their problems. Moreover, we developed possible solutions through a responsible and transparent process guided by goodwill and respectful dialogue.
We must continue this dialogue with a new momentum and completely eliminate the failed policies of denialism, rejection and assimilation. A stronger democracy and healthier rule of law will reassure the Alevi community as well as society more broadly. Therefore, we cannot allow any group to use divisive and alienating language that could jeopardize the process. Nor should we tolerate the abuse and distortion of this process. We must create a pluralistic, and democratic atmosphere to address the Alevi community's problems through mutual understanding, dialogue, citizenship and a common future.
During our tenure, we also addressed the problems of the members of various other faith groups. We eliminated the restrictions and pressures on autonomous organizations of non-Muslim minority communities such as charitable foundations. We ensure that their temples and churches, would re-open and their property, which had been seized by earlier administrations, returned.
If the nation graces us with the office of the President, we shall continue our work for tolerance, co-existence, democracy and pluralism by seeking political and judicial liberalization.
We must harness the unique legacy of our civilization in our efforts to modernize our standards. Thus we shall set an example not only for our own country but also the region, the Islamic world and the globe.
2.5. Justice and the Judiciary
The concept of justice has been the political centerpiece of our history, as the legitimacy of government depended on justice. This notion rings true even today, and therefore justice must play a role not only in the judiciary but also throughout the entire state.
All institutions, from the president, to the parliament and judiciary must heed the people’s demand for justice, for justice is only possible when these institutions assume a fair and egalitarian position. Without justice, the government becomes alien to its people.”
Since justice is an inherently social concept, the authority of a court to judge must have the support of all sectors of society. Only then can the justice system garner the people’s trust.
Neither laws nor court rulings can deliver justice unless the judiciary is receptive to meeting the people's demand for justice.
Justice must be rooted in the constitutional order as well as in widely-accepted norms that reflect the will of the entire nation. Justice cannot be delivered absent laws that protect universal human rights that are popularly supported.
This challenge calls for a comprehensive overhaul of the remnants of the single-party era and military junta governments, both in the legal system and the Constitution. However, this step is hardly enough. Until the judiciary reflects the composition of the country and supports a democratic vision, the law will be used to serve interest groups or their ideological agenda.
Unfortunately, Turkey has had its fair share of such negative developments in its recent history. The judiciary tends to become politicized when it loses sight of justice – which, in turn, undermines the political process and the legal system alike. The sole means to safeguard the judiciary from politicization is to institute democratic structures within this branch. Both the histories of our country and of Western democracies attest to this fact.
Turkey bounded towards democracy with the approval of the 2010 constitutional referendum, which improved the impartiality of the judiciary, the ramifications of which we see today. Nevertheless, certain practices within this branch suggest that additional reforms are necessary.
The judiciary must be restructured to reflect the nation's diversity and ensure that judicial proceedings follow the democratic ideal.
The highest ranks of the judiciary should attain democratic legitimacy through the Parliament and facilitate a more participatory relationship between the people and the judiciary.
Such an arrangement would prevent any group from dominating the judiciary. Only then can the justice system live up to its role as a neutral arbiter and secure the confidence of both minority and majority groups.
The presidency plays an important part in strengthening the judiciary's participation in democracy and promoting harmony among various government institutions.
Provided that the people of Turkey endorse my run for the presidency, I pledge to perform this duty in the most effective manner possible.
Together, we shall establish a justice system that safeguards the rights and entitlements of all citizens and thereby earns the people's trust.
A PROSPEROUS SOCIETY
We belong to a civilization that celebrates all creatures by virtue of their Creator. We are proud representatives of a tradition that deems each individual respectable and valuable regardless of their creed.We have never discriminated against any citizens or any human beings. After all, our notion of democracy requires that government maintain an equal distance from each citizen.
People come first. A state cannot be strong unless its citizens feel safe, secure, content, and hopeful.
Since 2002, we have devoted ourselves to unite the state with its citizens, pay close attention to society's entire range of problems, and develop novel approaches and solutions.
We believe in a politics of service, which requires that authority and power be utilized for the people rather than serve as a means to look down upon them. Thus, we have initiated a great transformation based on an approach to solve problems, rather than creating them.
During our tenure, our country has become a nation of wealth. In our commitment to improving education, healthcare, social benefits and culture, we were guided by the notion that people came first.
We became family to the helpless, and the voice of the silent masses. We reached out to lower-income households in the most distant parts of the country and extended them the state's caring hand. As part of our notion of a social state, we introduced a series of reforms with regard to healthcare and social benefits, among others, to improve the living standards of these lower-income communities.
We implemented a number of practices to restore the joy of life for our disadvantaged groups, including the mentally and physically disabled and children in need of protection, as well as helping them rekindle ties within their communities.
The New Turkey agenda requires a continued commitment to perform the duties of a modern, social state.
The New Turkey must maintain its resolve to become a strong society of competent and self-confident individuals with strong ties to their families, loved ones and the nation.
The New Turkey has to become a model country for the world through our Republic's centennial commitment to the quality of its democracy, the extent of individual liberties, its human capital and its social integrity.
3.1. Social Prosperity
Our 2023 vision aims to provide high-quality services to the people through safe, modern and speedy channels. We have to put the principle of social state into practice and, to this end, continue to make progress and implement reforms in all areas. We must remain committed to conducting world-class projects and serving the people with even more enthusiasm.
The centennial goals should serve as guidelines for a more prosperous country.
Education remains a key priority in our efforts to become a stronger society. A nation of educated individuals can contribute to the world by evoking respect globally and doing business at the international level.
However, education requires much more than new schools and classrooms. What our country really needs is for students to adopt the values of our civilization, and to internalize the ideals of becoming democratic, conscious and competent people.
We have implemented major reforms and allocated the greatest share of the nation's resources to education. Since 2002, Turkey's education budget increased seven-fold and moved from TL 11.3 billion to TL 78.5 billion.
Our governments have enacted a number of policies to provide textbooks and tablet computers to students free of charge, and build modern classrooms equipped with interactive blackboards. Within the past 11 years, our students have received a total of 1.75 billion free textbooks. In addition, a series of government initiatives increased the number of teachers and improved their skills. The average teacher's salary grew by 317 percent. The monthly stipends of primary and secondary school students soared by 1,058 percent, and the resources available for college scholarships and student loans increased by 478 percent.
Every citizen has a right to an education – which is why we have emphasized democracy, activities and knowledge in novel initiatives for a stronger education infrastructure and improved curriculum.
We replaced the 8-year module plan that was previously imposed on our population after the postmodern coup in 1997 with a more comprehensive alternative. Our module, the 4+4+4, offers a greater choice of elective courses with flexibility and versatility, and better addresses parents’ expectations for their child’s schooling.
Our higher education spending grew eight-fold, as university campuses spread to all 81 provinces of the country and the number of colleges rose from 76 to 175. Meanwhile, the number of academic personnel grew by 72 percent. We stopped the use of coefficients in university entrance exams to ensure that each student would be given an equal opportunity. In addition to providing greater financial aid opportunities and housing stipends, our governments abolished college tuition to make higher education more accessible.
On the road to 2023, education represents a priority for the improvement and development of all aspects of life. Turkey's efforts to use high-quality, original, widespread and conscious education as its greatest advantage in competing with the rest of the world must continue with determination. It is clear that an educated population is the greatest source of wealth in the world today. We must make sure that our citizens can produce knowledge, translate information into action and utilize their skills.
On the road to 2023, Turkey should train individuals whose appreciation of their traditions enables them to keep an open mind about universal ideas and values.
For this purpose, we cannot solely concentrate our efforts on building adequate and high-quality education infrastructure. Instead, the country needs a curriculum that emphasizes the importance of reading and reasoning. We must stress the importance of implementing and transforming knowledge into consciousness, consciousness into virtue and virtue into action. We need qualified, conscious and pioneering educators.
In regards to healthcare, Turkey has witnessed a major transformation and currently enjoys quality and widely available services. Healthcare has always been a priority on our agenda.
In Turkey, patients no longer have to endure prolonged stays at hospital when they cannot pay their medical bills. Our healthcare system was revolutionized to address the needs of financially challenged patients. Public hospitals underwent a process of integration that allowed 37 million citizens to receive care at these facilities along with private hospitals and university clinics. We took necessary steps for all minors and students to receive treatment and care regardless of whether they can pay into the system. We assigned specific doctors in neighborhood clinics to attend to each household's needs.
In addition to the long lines at hospitals disappearing, citizens became entitled to fill their prescriptions at any pharmacy in the country. We built modern, better organized and more comfortable hospitals, and equipped them with the latest technology. Even in the country's most remote regions, where there were previously no medical practitioners, we now have specialists that attend to the local community’s health issues. Medical personnel provide home care to patients who are unable to leave their residences and, for the first time in Turkey's history, helicopters and planes have become available to patients across the nation.
The government's health spending grew by 442 percent, while the annual budget of the Ministry Health soared by 850 percent.
The number of health professionals doubled and their geographical distribution across the country became more balanced.
We launched construction projects to build mega-hospitals in 26 provinces, each of which will contain a range of units from birth clinics to mental health departments. The projects aim to alter how patients perceive hospitals by providing luxury services throughout their stay.
These reforms have made it possible for Turkey's healthcare system to become an example for the world.
By the Republic's centennial, we aim to position Turkey as a medical hub that serves not only its own citizens but neighboring countries as well. We envision a country where health professionals develop quick and effective solutions to promote individual and social well-being.
We also made significant improvements to justice and public safety in order to make it possible for citizens to feel safe in their homes, on the streets and in their communities. We redesigned security services to protect individual liberties and receive more input from the public.
In recent years, Turkey has cracked down on organized crime and gangs to boost the population's confidence in the state. Unsolved murders became history as security forces worked hard to crack cold cases. Our "zero tolerance to torture" policy turned police stations and military outposts into safe places for civilians. We paid extra attention to training qualified law enforcement personnel.
In addition, the quality of judicial services has drastically improved, as courtrooms moved transformed into modern halls of justice and various legal materials became accessible to citizens through online portals. As the number of judges and prosecutors steadily grew, practices such as arbitration and conditional release made the justice system more efficient. We established the office of the ombudsman and provided additional support to the high courts in order to expedite their proceedings.
By the centennial, we aim to ensure the complete protection of individual liberties by the security forces, and to institute a knowledgeable, moral and professional approach to the judicial system with personnel that respects human rights.
Culture, like education, not only affects life, but also forms it very foundation.
The civilization that Turkey inherited by virtue of its history and geography represents a remarkable color on the canvas of the world. As a country that nurtures culture through literature, music, architecture and philosophy, we have contributed to the shared heritage of the world, both written and oral, over thousands of years.
A strong society is based on influential ideas, works, products and values. A society without values and tradition has little to offer to the world and the future.
Culture serves as the single most important connection among us and links our past with the present, and our present to the future.
Protecting the nation's historical and cultural heritage plays a key role in exposing future generations to roots that distinguish us from others and strengthening our nation’s unique treasures and beauty.
We took charge of our historical and cultural works and catalogued 19,000 manuscripts. 4141 illegally transported artifacts, which were previously abroad, were brought back to Turkey. Government spending designated for the protection of cultural assets amounted to TL 755 million. We improved our museums, the number of whose visitors quadrupled. We established Yunus Emre Cultural Centers in 25 countries to promote our country's culture.
We also provided due diligence to cultural properties at home and abroad to restore approximately 4,000 works between 2003 and 2013.
On the road to 2023, Turkey will approach all cultural elements in its society in equal terms. The state will adopt a democratic perspective regarding cultural identities.
By 2023, we aim to promote the cultural activities of NGOs, and strive to position cultural activities as a means to strengthen national unity and develop a new civic consensus.
In this context, we believe that charitable foundations, which people from all faith groups establish to serve society, represent not only an important part of our cultural heritage, but are also pluralistic and democratic platforms upon which civil society organizes. In addition, these charitable foundations legacies require protection and promotion.
On the road to the Republic's centennial, Turkey must start building a new civilization and derive power from its tradition.
We need to blend our native culture with our universal values. Our citizens should feel confident about their own values to view the world as a space for cultural interaction as well as a source of information and potential business opportunities.
The youth are the energy of today and the reassurance of tomorrow. Our country is fortunate to have a greater share of this promising demographic than other nations.
We have taken necessary steps to ensure that young people grow up in a healthy environment and become conscious individuals and strengthen their body and soul through cultural activities and sports.
Government spending for youth and sports investments increased fifteen-fold, as the annual budget of the Higher Education Loans and Dormitories Agency experienced a 1087-percent hike. The capacity of public dormitories doubled over the past 12 years. We eliminated wards and instead designed dormitories where individual units house one to three residents.
Across the nation, 175 youth centers have 510,000 active members. By building new centers, we aim to reach out to several million members.
We have built world-class sports facilities in a multitude of cities to spread physical activities to countless districts and neighborhoods. Turkey has successfully hosted major international athletic organizations, as the number of licensed athletes rose seventeen-fold.
On the road to 2023, Turkey must further its efforts to engage young people.
We have developed and implemented policies for 12 years to ensure the growth of a tech-savvy, progressive and creative generation that is proficient in Turkish and can converse in at least one foreign language.
We have taken necessary precautions to protect young people from alcohol abuse, drugs and other unhealthy habits, and will continue to do so in the future.
Citizens who have a right to vote should also be eligible to run for public office – which is why we need to lower the minimum age criterion for elected officials to 18.
On the road to 2023, we envision a moral, active, entrepreneurial and capable youth that blends their commitment to national and spiritual values with universal principles. Young people, who represent the nation's future, should be aware of one another’s differences and that this diversity constitutes a form of wealth.
By the Republic's centennial, Turkey's youth should use the power that they derive from our history to institute peace, prosperity and fraternity both at home and abroad. Young people should develop the notion of virtue that the world sometimes fails to keep alive. Our exemplary youth shall build a country that leads the region.
Women represent a crucial part of our vision for the future. Raising awareness about women's rights, ensuring their prosperity and eliminating the challenges that women encounter in social life are part and parcel of the New Turkey ideal.
In order to eliminate the obstacles that hinder women's participation in social life, we adopted laws to establish legal guarantees for gender equality and introduced positive discrimination where necessary. Our government has provided cash support to promote entrepreneurship among women and has created incentives to develop opportunities for women.
Our governments have adopted a zero tolerance policy to prevent violence against women. For this purpose, we took important legislative steps to prevent domestic violence and honor killings. In addition, we spent crucial efforts to develop the skills of not only women but also young girls.
We granted women, who previously experienced discrimination due to their religious beliefs and were deprived of their right to education for wearing the religious headscarf, their rights as equal citizens. Female public employees are now able to wear their headscarves at work.
On the road to 2023, we must work harder to consolidate and improve the social standing of women in Turkey, and develop new policies that concentrate on women's issues in a number of areas including education, healthcare, social security and social benefits.
Throughout our political career, we have paid special attention to the role of women in social life and politics. Our effort to promote women's involvement at various levels of government has, at times, received heavy criticism. Believing that gender quotas restrict women, we repeatedly stated that there ought to be no quota for women in society and politics alike. Furthermore, we strived to overcome arbitrary divisions between a women's role within the family and their development as individuals.
If elected, I pledge to promote policies that consolidate the position of women at both the individual and social level.
Family lies at the heart of our society, and plays a crucial role to maintain the social fabric of our country, which transmits values and principles from one generation to another and ensures the individual's adaptation to society. The nation is only as strong as its families.
Our purpose is to ensure the family's peace and prosperity, and to shelter families from various destructive forces.
We established the Ministry of Family and Social Policies in 2011 to develop a series of initiatives for women and families.
We launched the Pre-Marriage Education Program to help prepare couples for married life. With help from local governments, we hope to make the program available across the country.
The adoption rate doubled and the number of shelters for disadvantaged children increased fifteen-fold.
On the road to 2023, Turkey should develop policies to strengthen families and shelter marriages from negative influences in order to maintain the integrity of family bonds.
In the area of social aid, we oversaw another major transformation over the past 12 years. We instituted a notion of a social and welfare state by increasing social spending fifteen-fold.
We reached out to lower-income households and financially-challenged individuals through comprehensive, holistic and active government institutions and policies. We implemented a number of practices to benefit the poor, the disabled, the elderly, widows and widowers, veterans and the relatives of departed service people. We have made great progress with regard to poverty.
Our government has addressed the problems of disabled individuals. The number of disability benefits recipients doubled, as public-sector jobs reserved for disabled individuals increased five-fold. We have granted female employees with disabled children the right to early retirement with full benefits, and allowed businesses to pay reduced social security premiums for their disabled employees. Individuals with disabilities have also attained the right to early retirement and made necessary arrangements to pay their pensions in their homes upon request.
The Public Housing Agency (TOKI) embarked on construction projects that allowed lower-income families to become homeowners by paying TL 100 ($45) per month for a twenty-year term. Over three million citizens have benefited from these public housing projects. Meanwhile, the government provides regular heating assistance to over 2 million households. 240,000 widows receive cash assistance on a monthly basis and 3 million mothers receive conditional government benefits for their children’s education and health expenses.
We have established at least one Social Services Center in each province and launched a total of 123 offices.
Our 2023 goals involve a dynamic country where poverty has been reduced to a minimum and the people look to the future with confidence. By promoting protective and preventive social services, we should allow women, children, the disabled, the elderly, veterans and families of departed service people to benefit from opportunities on equal terms.
Social security represents another key area for reform. We have revolutionized the Retirement and General Health Insurance system to bring three distinct retirement institutions under a single umbrella organization. We have expanded social security coverage to provide all citizens with equal, easily-accessible and high-quality healthcare. The general health insurance system has turned Turkey into one of the few countries around the globe that provide comprehensive and accessible health services.
While the number of business rose by 118 percent, the number of insured employees climbed by 140 percent. We restructured citizens' debt to the Social Security Administration and made it easier for retired business owners and employees to meet their debt payments.
A strong society guarantees the welfare of citizens both in the present and the future. A state that protects employees and the unemployed represents a genuine social state.
On the road to 2023, we imagine a country where no citizen feels concerned about the future and everyone enjoys healthcare, peace and security thanks to a sustainable, active and efficient social security system.
3.2. Economic Prosperity
The economy has always been our top priority since 2002. Leaving aside unproductive disputes and shallow approaches, we have concentrated on increasing the fair distribution of the nation's wealth. We have never resorted to populist policies or costly, overly simplified and deceptive approaches.
Just as we identified the people's will as the core of our politics, so too did we build the economy around our nation's productive forces. We developed economic policies with a comprehensive perspective and a long-term approach, and implemented them effectively.
In government administration, politics and the economy, we have put people first as a principle. Instead of imposing top-down approaches, we worked to put the potential of our nation and entrepreneurs in motion.
Our economy, like our democracy, rests upon the principles of trust and stability. The confidence of our nation in the democratic order and the financial administration represents our single greatest reassurance. The stability and confidence of the past 12 years has further empowered our nation and constantly added to national welfare.
A strong political commitment enabled the implementation of economic policies. We have delivered our promises without cheating or being cheated.
Throughout Turkey's multiparty period, economic growth and development came only when complemented by political reforms. First, we simultaneously embarked on economic and political reforms. In the 2007 and 2010 referendums, we took democratic steps to facilitate the people's participation in politics. For this purpose, we confronted the military coups of the past.
A legal regime based on contemporary norms represents one of the requisites of economic development. Laws that are devoid of arbitrariness, protect lives and property, and maintain constant amid day-to-day debates ensure that economic activity takes place with confidence and predictability.
The constitutional amendments that we have adopted, coupled with other legal arrangements and particularly the judicial reform process, safeguard a strong economy.
Uncertainty vanishes and creates investment, production and jobs. Authorities prevent unfair competition, protect intellectual property, avoid violations of consumer rights and make no distinction between opposite parties in contracts.
Sustainable economic development cannot thrive on anything but an advanced democracy. At the heart of a functioning market economy laid the protection of basic rights, respect for fundamental liberties and the rule of law. Thus, we cannot view economic achievements independent of democratization efforts.
We have brought about a change of mentality, and have taken necessary precautions to prevent unfair interventions and speculation in the economy. We introduced reforms to discipline the banking system and took steps to facilitate fiscal discipline. We ensured the macroeconomic balances of Turkey's economy.
The nation's GDP per capita almost quadrupled under our government. While Turkey's GDP merely amounted to $230 billion in 2002, it reached $823 billion by the end of 2013. We knocked off six zeros off the Lira to turn it into a credible currency. We restructured our banking system. Not only did we pay off our debt to the IMF, but we also made funds available to the organization.
We have tackled high inflation, which eroded the people's wealth for decades, and reduced it to single-digit rates. The Central Bank's currency reserves increased from $28 billion to $136 billion. We curbed unemployment and ensured a more fair distribution of wealth. Moreover, Turkey's exports reached record levels and moved from $36 billion in 2002 to $156 billion at present. While the country received a total of $15.1 billion in foreign investments between 1923 and 2002, the influx of foreign resources into the economy amounted to $133.7 billion during our tenure.
We have never made concessions on fiscal discipline to reduce domestic debt and minimize the current account deficit.
Our economic policies have relied on the principles of transparency, continuity, consistency and predictability. We have openly shared our policies with the public and have created a predictable environment for citizens and economic decision-makers by ensuring continuity with regard to fundamental policies.
In government, we created a mindset of accountability and took each step with the understanding that our mandate was but a temporary loan from the people.
We have shown strength in fighting corruption, and made a strong effort to make sure that corruption allegations would not be swept under the rug by facilitating judicial proceedings.
The main purpose of our economic policies has been to boost the nation's welfare and happiness. Knowing that investing in people, their qualities and a healthy social environment in the competitive global environmental was really about investing in our economic potential, we complemented our economic policies with comprehensive social policies.
This basic approach, ever-stronger thanks to employment-friendly growth, transformed Turkey into an attractive destination for foreign capital and qualified employees, and served our broader objective of promoting a society of healthy and competent individuals.
A brief look into the pre-2002 period would be enough to better appreciate our economic achievements. In comparison to earlier years, we have brought about a striking transformation of the economy.
Turkey's economy continued growing even during times of global financial crisis. During the 2002-2013 period, the nation recorded an annual average growth of 5.1 percent. While the Eurozone experienced negative growth, the U.S. grew by less than two percent, and Brazil and Russia recorded two to three percent growth, Turkey achieved an estimated 3.6 percent growth in 2013. According to the IMF, Turkey has the second fastest growing economy in Europe.
The above-mentioned achievements further strengthened Turkey's exports, production and stability. Today, Turkey's economic performance remains the envy of the world against the backdrop of the global economic crisis.
Turkey has maintained macroeconomic stability. Over the next decade, the nation must build on its existing achievements through microeconomic success.
Ahead of the Republic's centennial in 2023, our main objective is to increase the nation's welfare, to further build its potential for growth, and to create jobs.
Turkey's economy will become stronger and experience growth at the local and national level. We must continue the political and administrative reforms related to local governments with economic initiatives. Our cities should evolve into centers of production, investment and employment, and create global brands.
Turkey's economic production has notably increased since 2002, reaching the highest levels in the Republic's history. In order to meet our future targets, we must first curb the dependence of our production facilities on imports.
To bridge the nation's energy gap, we must implement integrated energy policies to build energy synergy corridors with our neighbors and within the broader region.
We must invest in high-value, tech-intensive and globally competitive products in order to increase the strength and relevance of Turkey's economy on a global scale.
Our purpose must be to build a strong Turkey, the home of an informed society that meets EU standards across the board and is able to compete globally.
The private sector has to generate high levels of growth as part of our centennial goals, and we must continue implementing policies that pave the way for the private sector's success. For this purpose, we must not only remain committed to macroeconomic stability, but also introduce reforms to facilitate greater efficiency and competitiveness in the manufacturing and service industries.
We must provide R&D, patent and brand incentives to boost the competitiveness of high-level entrepreneurs, industrialists and companies. In order to promote investment and job creation, we must prioritize export and project-based loans rather than consumer credits.
The path to the New Turkey requires a continued commitment to the principle that "justice lies at the heart of government" and to our responsibilities as a modern, social state.
In this regard, we have to make further improvements to the distribution of wealth and welfare while continuing to facilitate steady growth. We must further empower the middle class and boost the purchasing power of lower-income households.
Back in 2011, we introduced our vision for the Republic's centennial in 2023.
The primary purpose of the 2023 vision relates to Turkey becoming one of the world's top ten economies in terms of GDP.
The remaining economic goals include:
To maintain single-digit inflation and interest rates,
To increase annual export volume to $500 billion,
To raise the GDP per capita to $25,000 per year,
To transform Istanbul into a global center for finance and commerce.
We must encourage our nation, government institutions and civil society to meet the 2023 targets. Turkey and its people have the potential to reach and even surpass these objectives.
The 2023 vision aims to help political, economic, social and cultural domains gain momentum and motivation. The vision document serves as a guideline for not only government institutions but also the private sector.
We have made notable progress regarding trade and industrial development. Our government has always supported industrialists, SMEs, merchants and artisans through the improvement of the investment environment, cash and in-kind assistance, the simplification of legal requirements, the reduction of paperwork, the construction of industrial zones and their infrastructure, tax cuts and reduced social security premiums.
In 2011, the government adopted the Strategy Document and Action Plan for the Industry and delivered 85 percent of their pledges. Over the past decade, Turkish industries have moved from low-tech to medium-tech production. We aim for high-tech production within the next decade.
Our 2023 perspective involves high entrepreneurial skills, easy access to financial markets and enterprises with innovative, competitive and cooperative cultures. Turkey's economy must rely on companies that develop high-value products through R&D, innovation and a qualified work force. We must become a Eurasian hub for the production of mid- and high-tech goods.
Agriculture represents a key sector for Turkey, as a sizeable chunk of the population earns their living in the agricultural sector.
Our governments have overseen a major structural transformation in agriculture, among other sectors. Our strategies and government assistance ensured steady growth.
Over the past 11 years, we provided farmers with approximately TL 60 billion in cash assistance. Recently launched projects have improved the sector's efficiency and generated additional value.
Turkey's agricultural volume rose from $24 billion to $61 billion, which meant that we moved from 11th to 7th place in the global agricultural ranking and from 4th to 1st place in Europe. The country's agricultural exports amount to $18 billion.
On the road to 2023, our primary objective is to feed the population with adequate, high-quality and reliable agricultural products, while consolidating the country's position as a major exporter by promoting more competitive businesses.
In terms of an agricultural economy, Turkey should strive to rank among the top five countries in the world. We must improve efficiency to help the nation's total agricultural volume break the $150 billion mark and raise agricultural exports to $40 billion.
In the area of transportation and communication, we have made significant achievements both domestically and internationally by facilitating mobility, travel and commerce. We have made improvements in land, rail, air and naval transportation that set an example for the rest of the world.
Over the past 12 years, we devoted the largest share of public investments to transportation and communication, which yielded major results that enriched the nation's economic, social and cultural life.
In order to make the nation's roads safer, improve their quality, provide the long-neglected parts of the country with top-quality land transportation and eliminate regional discrepancies, we increased the length of divided roads from 6,100 km in 2003 to 23,000 km by 2014.
We launched major projects in ground transportation including the Izmit Bay Bridge, the Istanbul-Izmir expressway, the Selim I Bridge across the Bosporus, and the Eurasia Tunnel, a road tunnel that links Europe and Asia.
Furthermore, we heavily invested in Turkey's railroads, to which the authorities had long failed to give due attention. Several months ago, Marmaray, an underwater commuter train project, was completed and began to serve the people of Istanbul. Moreover, we are expanding the nation's high-speed railroad network, which is currently active in Konya and Eskisehir, to Istanbul, Izmir, Afyon, Usak, Bursa, Yozgat, Sivas, Erzincan and Karaman. The Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railroad project will complete the railroad network between Beijing and London.
Turkey also made significant progress with regard to air transportation, as Turkish Airlines became a global brand. We built new airports and increased the capacity of existing airports. As such, we made important progress with regard to positioning Turkey as one of the world's transit hubs. Turkish Airlines, our national airline, has been voted Europe's best airline and has received praise from across the world.
Meanwhile, we increased the general population's access to air travel. While only 34 million people travelled by air just 12 years ago, the number of total passengers broke the 150-million mark in 2014. The number of domestic airports climbed from 26 to 52. Turkish Airlines, which flew to 60 destinations abroad, now connects Turkey to 236 cities around the world. Our goal is to turn our national airline into Europe's leading civil aviation company.
With the building a third airport in Istanbul, we seek to enable the growth of our national airline and consolidate Turkey's position as a bridge between Europe, Asia and the Middle East.
Over the past years, Turkey has become home to satellite developers and manufacturers. We plan to send the nation's first communication satellite into orbit by 2018. Furthermore, the 4A and 4B satellites will expand our coverage area into the African continent.
Turkey also made significant progress in maritime commerce. A strong naval sector plays a key role in developing foreign trade, integrating Turkey's economy into world markets as well as other economic goals. Our government provided tax cuts for the naval industry's fuel purchases, which translated into a 64-percent rise in the number of passengers and an 82-percent increase in the number of vessels that traveled on the seas. Turkish-owned fleets rank 13th in the world. The number of docks, which stood at 37 in 2003, rose to 72 by 2014. We completed the infrastructure of Izmir's Çandarlı Port and initiated the bidding process for the Filyos Port. We also continue developing projects for Mersin International Port.
In addition, we instituted crucial regulations and investments over the past 12 years to bring about an information society. We liberalized the communications sector to make the market more competitive, and built information superhighways to make Turkey one of Europe's top 5 countries in communication. The number of broadband users rose from 20,000 in 2003 to 33,000,000 by 2014. The various investments and regulations boosted the size of Turkey's IT sector from $11,5 billion in 2003 to $47 billion by 2014. We predict that the IT sector will break the $160-billion-mark by the Republic's centennial year.
PTTBank, a concept that was developed with the help of information technologies, makes life easier for the people. Meanwhile, our citizens conveniently handle their official business through e-government applications.
On the road to 2023, Turkey must surpass its past achievements with regard to transportation and communication. Unifying the country, as well as connecting it to the rest of the world through increased communication and transportation possibilities must be a priority item in the nation's agenda. We should no longer concentrate on simply providing basic services, but should instead improve the quality of those services. Such developments will stimulate economic growth, increase exports, reduce income inequality and strengthen the social and cultural ties of citizens.
Under our government, Turkey's defense industry made remarkable progress. We currently manufacture our national satellites, infantry rifles, drones, helicopters, tanks and warships. ASELSAN and Turkish Aviation Industries (TAI) rank among the leading defense companies around the globe.
Over the past decade, our nation has at once modernized its armed forces and developed its defense industry. The structural transformation of the defense industry shifted its focus to design and engineering. The turnover of Turkey's defense and aviation industries rose from $1 million in 2002 to $4.7 million by 2013.
On the road to the centennial, Turkey can feasibly aim for a spot among the top ten of the most advanced defense industries.
The turnover of the defense and aviation sector, which currently amounts to $5 billion, is predicted to increase to $10 billion over the next five-year period. Turkey should adopt policies to ensure that exports constitute at least half of the sector's turnover.
Our government also made great progress with regard to unemployment. We sheltered workers, retirees and civil servants from inflation. The average civil servant's salary grew by 306 percent. We increased the minimum monthly pensions for retired salaried employees by 285 percent, retired agricultural employers by 811 percent, retired artisans by 440 percent, and retired civil servants by 248 percent.
The principle of employment-friendly growth created jobs and reduced unemployment. The labor force participation rate rose to 51 percent. Meanwhile, 32.7 percent of women have entered the job market. Our government recorded remarkable success especially with regard to female employment, which rose by approximately 5 points.
During our tenure, the Turkish economy created 6.3 million jobs, rising from 19.4 million in 2002 to 25.7 million in 2013. By the end of 2014, the total number of jobs is expected to reach 26.3 million.
On the road to 2023, the nation should aim for a more qualified labor force, safer jobs and an overall better professional life. We should adopt policies that strengthen the ties between education and employment, create a more flexible job market, and promote the employment of women, young people and disadvantaged individuals.
Our government made unparalleled contributions to scientific research, R&D and innovation. Turkey broke several records with regard to scientific projects, science grants and patent registrations. We established 52 technology development centers and provided major incentives to the private sector for R&D and innovation projects. The R&D spending to GNP ratio doubled over the past decade to reach 1 percent. By 2023, we should aim to increase this ratio to 3 percent. We sent Göktürk 2, Turkey's national observation satellite, into the orbit. We succeeded in producing missile fuel, which is produced by a handful of countries around the globe and had thus far been imported from abroad.
On the road to the centennial, Turkey should provide greater assistance to science and technology endeavors, and adopt results-oriented policies that increase the nation's scientific potential, help key sectors develop original products and facilitate industrial growth.
Tourism represents a major source of income for Turkey. Over the past 12 years, our country took significant steps in this area. Turkey, which was the world's 17th most visited country in 2002, attracted 38 million tourists in 2013 to become the 6th most visited nation in the world. In terms of tourism revenue, Turkey is the world's 10th largest destination. The country currently has a turnout of $32.3 billion.
Our goal is to develop the nation's potential with regard to alternative forms of tourism including conference tourism, health tourism, faith tourism and sports tourism, and to establish centers of attraction around the country. In this context, Turkey's rank in conference tourism rose from 31 in 2002 to 18 by 2013. Furthermore, Istanbul has been the most visited city since 2011 for conference events with 500+ participants.
By 2023, Turkey is set to become one of the world's top five countries in terms of total visitors and tourism revenue, and attract 50 million tourists bringing in revenue totaling $50 billion.
Our government also made significant improvements with regard to energy. The drilling industry's combined drilling capacity, which amounted to 100,000 meters in 2002, rose to 1,500,000 meters by 2012. Between 2002 and 2012, Turkey's mining exports rose from $600 million to $4 billion. The share of mining in the nation's GDP climbed from $1.9 billion in 2002 to $11.7 billion by 2012.
Our policies increased the private sector's share in the established electrical grid from 34 percent in 2002 to 66 percent. In addition, we privatized all 21 electricity distribution companies.
During our tenure, oil exploration and production investments increased nine-fold. We devised new strategies to meet the ever-growing need for oil and natural gas from domestic and foreign sources.
Our fundamental energy strategy relies on the connection of three major basins: namely the Middle East, the Caucasus/Central Asia, and the Balkans/Southeastern Europe. To this aim, Turkey needs long-term plans to position itself as a hub for natural gas and oil distribution rather than a transit country. TANAP, our joint venture with Azerbaijan, represented a major step in this area. In the future, Turkey must maintain its position as the most convenient hub for the transportation of hydrocarbon resources in Iraq, the KRG, and the Eastern Mediterranean to the European and other international markets.
On the road to 2023, our vision for energy involves the use of nuclear power to produce electricity, the utilization of domestic and renewable energy resources to their full capacity, the minimization of waste and other effects of energy on the environment, and the creation of a competitive energy system that consolidates its strategic location in international energy trade.
3.3. Local Governments and the Environment
The Turkish word for civilization, medeniyet, derives from the Arabic term medina, which means "city." As such, civilization should manifest itself in urban architecture, design, life and culture.
As a nation, we are the proud representatives of a great civilization. Governments that rejected their traditions and ideals, however, deprived Turkey's cities of their identity, character, and authenticity for a long period of time. Historic artifacts, houses, streets, neighborhoods, and public squares became dilapidated. Public spaces, like the people, lay in ruins. The central role of people in the cities was eradicated. And the disappearance of urban character did great harm to the happiness, peace and self-confidence of the people.
We strived to stop this destruction of our values at the level of both local and national government. We addressed the pressing problems of our cities, where a lack of infrastructure, roads, highways, and water and energy sources led to commercial troubles, widespread poverty and hunger, and pollution. Thus, we ushered in a new era for local governments. With regard to infrastructure, housing, transportation and social aid, we pioneered municipal services.
Modern and rational approaches, coupled with a continuous dialogue with the people, allowed us to alleviate the majority of grievances and build roads, streets, parks, and rail systems for our cities and their population. We made sizeable investments for a cleaner and healthier environment. Local governments rushed to the support of disabled citizens and lower-income communities to effectively transform the culture of municipal work and improve the scope and quality of services.
Meanwhile, the tax revenues and mandate of local governments grew to allow municipalities to make greater investments and provide more diverse services in a more effective manner.
The emergence of shantytowns came to an end, as we built 565,000 modern housing units across the country at affordable rates over the last decade. Furthermore, a comprehensive urban renewal initiative began to transform 6.5 million apartment units. We estimate that half a million housing units will be complete by the end of 2014.
Democracy is rooted in local governments. Up until our rise to power, the guardianship attitude had dominated not only the national government but also the municipalities. We thus launched our transformative movement at the local level to promote human rights, liberty, universal democracy, and the rule of law. We brought the notion of social municipalities with a focus on project development and implementation to life.
Now we enter a new stage, where we must enrich urban culture and concentrate on the urban population while remaining committed to addressing problems. We must continue to build green cities where functionality meets aesthetics and history coincides with modernity and a lively economy.
In the future, we have to remain determined to alleviating the problems of our cities and their population. Major projects must continue while we embark on new initiatives. We must further strengthen the notion of participatory, visionary, and entrepreneurial local government.
For this purpose, we must develop long-term plans for each city. Turkey's urban centers should integrate their economy, culture, historical artifacts, agriculture and tourism with the rest of the country. Meanwhile, the brand management of Turkish cities should make proper use of the most advanced techniques and technology at the global level, the latest developments as well as commercial and economic ties.
In the New Turkey, the people should receive high-quality municipal services and live in healthy, green, better organized and peaceful cities. We must continue to re-design urban areas to accommodate the needs of children, the disabled, the elderly, and all disadvantaged groups.
Our goal is to create not just livable cities, but beautiful cities. We must continue to qualitatively promote to the highest degree, structures and architecture that reveal our cities’ original identity and the legacy of their histories. We must increasingly continue our efforts to build cities that our people can be proud of and live in happily, and that are compatible with nature and the environment.
The country made significant progress with regard to the environment, through the implementation of development initiatives to protect the environment, reduce pollution and plant trees. Our government established recycling facilities and employed modern technology.
Compared to 35 percent in 2002, the share of urban residents with access to water treatment services climbed to 72 percent by 2013.
The number of waste storage facilities rose from 15 to 69 over the past 12 years, which serve 903 municipal districts and 44.5 million citizens. Seven waste storage facilities, including Istanbul, Ankara and Gaziantep, produce electricity on their grounds.
Meanwhile, the number of licensed packaging collection and recycling facilities rose from 28 to 806. Today, Turkey recycles 50 percent of all packaging materials.
We also have made significant progress in preventing the pollution of our seas. Currently, Turkey ranks fourth in the world in regards to the number of blue flag beaches and marinas.
Since 2005, the government has provided assistance to several municipal projects, including sewage treatment systems, waste water purification facilities and waste treatment and storage units, all to reduce environmental pollution that amounted to TL 840 million.
In regards to the environment, The New Turkey aims to strike a healthy balance between economic development and environmental protection and implement necessary structures to boost the quality of life through an environmental administration system meeting global standards.
Our vision for 2023 involves minimizing traffic jams, facilitating comfortable transportation, securing fresh air, ensuring strong aesthetics, creating a strong economy, and allowing happy and peaceful citizens to reside in livable cities and spaces.
A PIONEERING COUNTRY
4.1. The New Turkey and the WorldThe static, bipolar world order of the Cold War period gave way to a multi-dimensional and dynamic situation. Located at the intersection of Europe, Asia and Africa, Turkey is faced with emerging risks as well as ample opportunities.
The rapidly-changing and ever-evolving global system requires an active management of opportunities, and calls for the protection of national interests with an eye on global justice and fairness in juncture with a continued commitment to our principles.
Taking this into consideration, our nation has implemented a political, economic and cultural transformation of the past 12 years with a new foreign policy. Today, Turkey is a global actor that evokes respect both within its region and across the globe.
Our foreign policy reflects the position of our people and has facilitated Turkey's emergence as an important contributor to peace and stability at a time when opportunities and threats continue to emerge.
Our greatest achievement has been to realign Turkey's foreign policy in line with the people's demands. The country's active, determined and strategic approach to government has allowed all government institutions to contribute to our foreign policy. In a range of areas including agriculture, energy, transportation, healthcare and technical assistance, the policies of Turkey's government institutions have assumed an international character. In addition to ministries, various public institutions and NGOs continue their activities both in Turkey as well as around the globe. Some of these organizations include the Office of Public Diplomacy, the Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency, Turkish Airlines, the Department of Turks Abroad and Related Communities, the Yunus Emre Foundation, the Presidency of Disaster and Emergency Management and the Red Crescent.
Turkey, which continues to set an example to the world in a number of different areas, has the ability to address the needs of both its geographic region as well as farther parts of the world through its government institutions.
Over the past 12 years, we have ensured visa-free travel for Turkey's citizens. While Turkish citizens could travel to only 42 countries without a travel visa in 2002, the number rose to 70 by 2014. Furthermore, we have signed an agreement with the European Union last year to initiate the official process to secure visa-free travel for our citizens visiting EU member states.
Political reforms, which have improved the standards of democracy, coupled with a strong economic performance has allowed Turkey to record the highest growth rates among OECD member countries, providing ample support to our multi-dimensional foreign policy to strengthen and develop Turkey's strategic ties to other countries at the regional and global level.
In this context, we followed two fundamental principles:
We have adopted principled and decisive policies to accurately interpret regional and global developments and take necessary steps in a timely manner, and to remain committed to our values in the face of the prospect of short-term gain.
Furthermore, we have re-interpreted Turkey's history and geography with a multi-dimensional perspective to follow an active and dynamic foreign policy that reflects our vision, strategy and solutions from the standpoint of Ankara and the nation.
In this respect, we have strengthened our ties with transatlantic and European organizations, most notably NATO and the European Union, with a focus on politics, the economy and security
During our government’s time in office, Turkey has enacted 324 primary and 1709 secondary legislations for the purpose of EU harmonization. Over the past years, we have adopted 16 primary and 191 secondary pieces of legislation. We established the EU Ministry, which coordinates Turkey's harmonization process into the EU. We even celebrated 2014 as the "European Union year."
Turkey remains determined to reach a desirable pace in European Union accession process. The country will continue enacting reforms and live up to its commitments. In the face of a rapidly-changing global balance of power and emerging regional risks, we expect the EU leadership to abandon their passive stance regarding Turkey's membership bid.
Surely enough, neither Turkey nor the European Union have remained the same since 2002. Shifts in political dynamics and economic turmoil have undoubtedly altered many policies and relations between the EU and the Turkish Republic. This being said, it is clear that Turkey's potential contribution to the Union's influence internationally has increased significantly.
The European Union, which has emerged as a project for peace, must overcome its fears and prejudices by ceasing to and undermine and ignore Turkey's ongoing efforts to attain full membership.
In this context, it is rather important for the European Union to address its internal problems, namely xenophobia and Islamophobia.
Notwithstanding the challenges that the accession process inherently entails, Turkey remains committed to the end goal of full membership in ongoing talks with the European Union.
In regards to Asia, Turkey has developed strategic ties with Russia, China, and Japan. This multi-directional approach lies at the heart of a holistic foreign policy strategy that makes notable contributions to world peace.
Turkey's foreign policy depends on a balance between universal values and national interests, which makes it possible to have a positive and transformative influence on the region and beyond. The fundamental principles of our foreign policy include regional identity, a strategic balance between liberty and security, and multilateralism and cooperation.
Our foreign policy aims to position Turkey as a defining player in regionally, as well as an active and guiding actor on an international level.
Our vision for Turkey entails a realistic, open, peaceful, and pro-dialogue foreign policy.
The New Turkey will further encourage its entrepreneurs, students, government officials and all interested citizens to immerse themselves internationally and embrace today’s globalized society.
4.2. Our Vision for the Region
Turkey's nearby geography –the Middle East, the Balkans, the Caucasus, and the Black Sea basin—has struggled to achieve a balance between freedom and security in the aftermath of the Cold War. In addition to Turkey’s stability, the significance of our cooperative vision in the region has thus increased and we will continue to promote democracy, pluralism, and welfare in the countries with our geographic proximity.
The Middle East is at a critical crossroads that promises to shape its future. We find emerging democracies, as in the case of Egypt, being exposed to military coups and plagued by civil war, while government authority and national borders remain at risk. Given these recent developments, we are faced with a situation in the Middle East where identity politics has become more relevant, where ethnic and sectarian conflict deepens, and the dynamics of regional cooperation remain inactive.
We hereby witness the downfall of a century-old status quo in the Middle East. In this period, Turkey has assumed a determined stance in line with the principles our republic defends. We wanted our brothers and sisters to obtain what we have demanded for our own. We could not, and will not, remain silent in the face of the Egyptian people being robbed of their political will, which they attained for the first time in their nation's long history.
We see that the promises of liberty and freedom, born out of the Arab peoples' rightful demands, are being dragged toward an uncertain path.
As a matter of fact, the most recent developments in Iraq have revealed yet again that the misguided policies and discriminatory practices that power-holders in Syria and Iraq alike have created fertile ground for the activities of extremist groups. These recent events in Iraq have made it clear that there is need to devise a comprehensive strategy to address the ever-worsening human tragedy in Syria.
It is very important for the international community to take decisive actions without further delay to break the cycle of violence and end the tragedies that are rooted in the Syrian regime's oppression. Turkey will continue its efforts to develop a political solution in Syria in accordance with the legitimate demands of the Syrian people.
Our region is under threat of a prolonged sectarian conflict in the absence of decisive action from the international community.
In the future, Turkey must remain in solidarity with all regional governments to promote democracy, pluralism, and welfare to institute lasting peace as well as to set the dynamics of regional cooperation in motion. We have to maintain a lead role in the international community with regard to this matter of helping to stabilize a region hindered by unrest.
What the Middle East needs is not additional government coups, deeper sectarianism or more intense violence, but a just, distributive, and democratic vision. The solution is to institute democracy, welfare, and pluralism in the region.
Turkey's perspective and foreign policy reflect its advocacy of democracy and pluralism as opposed to sectarianism. Pluralism represents one of the most significant achievements of our civilizational heritage. For centuries, the elements of tolerance, unity and respect that this heritage celebrates have ensured that people of various faiths, and identities could peacefully coexist within their communities. We must keep these principles alive today.
Since 2002, we have assumed an active role to resolve frozen conflicts in our nearby geography and we will continue these efforts. In regards to the resolution of the Cyprus conflict, one of our country's national causes, we have remained "one step ahead" in line with our principles. Recent examples such as our support for the 2004 referendum over the Annan Plan, the signing of various protocols with the Armenian government in 2009, and our commitment to building closer ties with Greece attest to this approach.
Turkey's contribution to regional stability is not solely confined to these areas. As part of our confidence in regional solutions and cooperation, we pioneered a number of processes in our nearby geography. We launched the Iraq's Neighboring Countries Process, the Istanbul Process regarding the situation in Afghanistan as well as implement trilateral processes between Turkey, Afghanistan and Pakistan; Turkey, Bosnia-Herzegovina and Serbia; Turkey, Bosnia-Herzegovina and Croatia; Turkey, Iran and Afghanistan; Turkey, Georgia and Azerbaijan; and Turkey, Azerbaijan and Turkmenistan.
Another important part of our vision for the region relates to forming the basis of lasting peace through mutual economic interaction. In line with this basic approach, we prioritized our neighbors and others with whom Turkey enjoys strong cultural and historical connections. High Level Strategic Cooperation Councils, which we jointly established with 17 nations allowed us to maintain political dialogue at the highest levels of government.
Meanwhile, the share of regional trade within Turkey's total exports rose from 8 percent to 25 percent over the past 12 years. During the same time period, Turkey's export volume to the Middle East and North Africa grew ten-fold and increased from $5,2 billion to $48 billion. Turkish contractors undertake $68 billion worth of projects in the Middle East alone.
This trend is not only confined to the Middle East. Our trade volume with Southeastern Europe and the Black Sea region has moved from $10 billion to $60 billion over the last 12 years.
We must continue our efforts for stronger economic integration with the Balkans, the Caucasus, Central Asia, and the Middle East.
The New Turkey will have a major influence in the region and across the globe in large part due to its political, economic, and social transformation. Our national economy will assume a more central role in the region as it further integrates into world markets. The region, meanwhile, will become a part of the world where businesses and entrepreneurs will invest in and economic opportunities will intensify. Regionwide economic development will thereby strengthen regional peace.
4.3. Justice and the International Order
Global political organizations find it increasingly difficult to address the world’s problems today, as they were built based on the principle of cultural homogeneity. In a rapidly globalizing world, however, such an approach is no longer viable. It has become clear that the existing world system fails to ensure justice.
Unless justice and fairness can thrive at the global level, no nation can rightfully assume to be safe and secure within their borders.
We have repeatedly called, and will continue to call upon the international community to end injustices in our neighboring countries and across the world, to eliminate double standards, and to embark on a global governance reform.
Respectfully, we must point out that the UN Security Council, remains in dire need for serious reform. It is not possible to leave a handful of countries in charge of this institution, which we as the whole international community tasks with protecting global peace and security. Therefore, the Council must immediately become a larger and more representative body that can better address ongoing crises
As such, it is absolutely necessary for the international system to become more democratic. This transformation must rest upon the principles of justice, pluralism, and participation.
Most recently, we have witnessed the negative implications of the imbalances of the UN Security Council's current composition and the body's idleness in Syria. The United Nations similarly had failed to respond to the slaughter of hundreds of thousands of people in the Balkans, namely in Sarajevo, Srebrenica and Tuzla.
Today, there is no legitimate excuse for the UN's incompetence and injustice toward the atrocities in Syria that can amount to crimes against humanity. Similarly, the most recent developments in Iraq represent a direct consequence of the international community's failure to act against Syria in a timely and effective manner.
As a matter of fact, almost all bodies of global governance suffer from some form of injustice. The Bretton Woods institutions such as the IMF, which reflect the post-World War II economic balance of power in the world, can no longer respond to the world's modern monetary issues. Existing institutions, therefore, must undergo comprehensive reform and new platforms must emerge in order to ensure that just representation is included in decision-making processes and adhere to a more egalitarian distribution of wealth.
In this context, the G-20, which was formed to look for ways to fight international crises, represents a structure that better reflects the current economic balance of power and dynamics and links centers of production and decision-making mechanisms in a more rational and realistic manner. Thanks to its transparent decision-making process, the G-20 embodies an important precedent and is a prime example of a much-needed global governance structures.
We must work harder to ensure that this organization, whose presidency we will assume in 2015, will handle a greater responsibility regarding pressing issues including underdevelopment and distribution of wealth.
We believe that instituting a just distribution of wealth across the globe as well as an effective fight against poverty and the promotion of sustainable development must be priorities on the agendas of all nations.
Thus in recent times, Turkey has begun to assume a more active role in the area of development diplomacy in accordance with the above-described approach and our global responsibilities. For this purpose, we particularly sought closer cooperation with the lesser-developed countries as a foreign policy objective. Believing that the increase in global economic resources cannot be moral or just whilst a significant part of the world population is crushed under poverty.
As such, we have increased Turkey's profile in the area of development aid and humanitarian assistance to historic heights. With support from TIKA's global activities and rapidly growing network and other government agencies, Turkey, has provided $3,3 billion in foreign aid and has led the OECD in terms of growth in assistance volume. In regards to humanitarian aid, Turkey currently ranks fourth in the world.
As part of Turkey's emergence as an international player, we continue to reach out to new parts of the world providing more visibility and influence in Africa, the Pacific, Latin America and Oceania. By increasing the nation's access to these new areas, we have worked hard to identify new markets and investment opportunities, and develop the necessary networks of political connections. In achieving these goals, Turkey continues to adopt a comprehensive approach with input from the Ministry of Finance, TIKA and Turkish Airlines, as well as other government institutions and enterprises.
Today, Turkey has 222 diplomatic missions abroad and controls the seventh largest diplomatic network in the world. A unique leap forward has allowed the country to record such a remarkable success that serves as the embodiment of our foreign policy vision. In doing following this strategy, Turkey now receives greater attention from the rest of the world. Today, Istanbul is only second to New York with regard to the total number of foreign consulates.
Our country continues to emerge as an internationally-active player with the ability to develop local, national, regional and global initiatives, and enjoy greater capabilities and responsibilities.
Our foreign policy objective must be to help Turkey emerge as a player with the potential to contribute to all matters, regional and global, in harmony with changing dynamics and relations.
We have no doubt that this vision shall receive support from all people and societies demanding justice, fairness, and peace.
If elected president, we pledge to further strengthen the ties between our national interests and our quest for justice and fairness at the international level. Within these past years, we have developed a number of policies that have reached beyond the traditional paradigm, which strengthens our advocacy of justice and fairness and our ability to protect our national interests.
On the road to 2023, we will defend Turkey's national interests and, with help from our allies and friends, promote our mission for international justice and fairness further than before.
