Emphasizing that there is no distinction between old and new in political styles, Erdoğan said, “There is no arrogance in our understanding. There is no boasting, looking down on the nation, or disrespect for the nation. In our country, there is a competition for service and work. There is a competition to enter the hearts of the nation. We are all soldiers of the cause of service to Türkiye and the Turkish nation. We will run without stopping and resting until we build the Turkish Century. I am very well aware that each of my friends here has the same sensitivities as me.” I know, I trust you.” he said.

TURKISH CITIZENS ABROAD

“Our citizens living abroad also have their share of the opposition’s problematic approach, which remains in your power no matter what.” Using the statement, Erdoğan stated that opposition actors, including the chairmen, continue to exclude, marginalize and treat more than 7 million citizens who have turned their homeland into a homeland and treat them as second-class citizens.

President Erdoğan continued his words as follows:

“Remember, last summer, they did nothing for a patriotic brother of ours whose heart was burning with longing for his homeland, just because he praised Türkiye. One of them even had a foul mouth and went so far as to use the term ‘excuse me’ towards our people. They didn’t even have the decency to apologize for this. They continued to talk about political morality and respect for citizens as if nothing had happened. As long as we wait for them to correct their mistakes, you see that they continue to insist on their mistakes. They turn every opportunity they get into a lynching campaign against our brothers living in Europe.

We witnessed this once again last week. Our Minister of Family and Social Services visited our tradesmen living there during his visit to Belgium. What was it, why was he visiting our tradesmen abroad? Why don’t we visit tradesmen in Türkiye but in Europe? A person has some conscience, a sense of justice, and enough political intelligence to follow his opponents. Let’s say these don’t exist. At least people have national consciousness. As in the famous story, where should we fix this?

Erdoğan stated that the AK Party and the People’s Alliance are the team that comes together with the tradesmen most frequently and has the strongest contact with the business circles, from merchants to industrialists.

Explaining that mayors and provincial and district leaders knock on the doors of merchants in their provinces and districts at every opportunity and ask how they are doing, Erdoğan said:

“Our cabinet meets and consults with various segments of our society, especially our economic management and business world. Secondly, what is the difference between our more than 7 million brothers and sisters living abroad and our 86 million citizens living within the borders of our country? For God’s sake, what is the difference between our tradesmen in our 81 provinces and our people who earn their living from halal income in different parts of the world, from Europe to Asia, from Africa to America? 60-70 years ago How can we see these brothers of ours, who went to Europe with a suitcase, worked under very difficult conditions, were humiliated at times, discriminated against at times, but eventually made the bitter homeland their second home with their labor, sweat and strength, and became the example of good morals and honesty abroad? First of all, let everyone know, understand and accept this, just as our brothers in Ankara Sırakçılar Yokuşu are our people, so too are our citizens in Berlin and Brussels. “Just as our tradesmen in Kulu are the lifeblood of our commercial life, our Kulu brothers in Sweden are important contributions to the Turkish economy. Just as we are proud of the Ahis from Emirdağ in Afyon, we are equally proud of the success of the people of Emirdağ in Belgium.”

“WE WILL CONTINUE KNOCKING ON THEIR DOORS, LIKE THE OPPOSITION, NOT FROM ELECTION TO ELECTION, BUT AT OTHER TIMES”

President Erdoğan stated that the share of citizens abroad in tourism revenues alone is over 11 billion dollars.

Pointing out that when they add their contributions in diplomacy, culture, commerce, education and science to this figure, a truly proud picture emerges, Erdoğan said:

“This being the case, knocking on the doors of these citizens, visiting them, asking about their well-being and memories is causing trouble for some people. However, what should be questioned here is never our being together with our brothers abroad. What should be questioned is that the opposition parties do not have such an agenda. What should be criticized is that those who make politics in this country ignore our citizens who have roots in hundreds of countries of the world. What should be ashamed is that they insult the European Turkish community, which is an integral part of our nation, These are alienating and divisive discourses. What is truly disgraceful is the despicable mentality that insults the Turkey-loving hearts that successfully represent our country abroad by calling them ‘bullshit.’ “We will continue to embrace them. We will continue to knock on their door not from election to election like the opposition, but also at other times, and share their troubles and joys. We will always continue to stand by our 7 million people who have turned abroad into a home, with our Consulates General, our diplomatic missions, our Presidency for Turks Abroad and Related Communities, our AK Party Foreign Relations Directorate and all our other institutions.”

While CHP Chairman Özgür Özel continues to shield corruption and bribery scandals in his party, he made remarkable statements about Özkan Yalım at today’s group meeting. Özgür Özel also targeted Burcu Köksal, who joined the AK Party.

“I HAVE DECEIVED US”

Özel, who did not accept any of the confessions, said regarding the scandal of turning the vehicle allocated to him into a VIP with the budget of Uşak Municipality, “Özkan Yalım said, ‘I know the best place, I will have it done’ in the interior design of the vehicle.” He deceived us by saying ‘I gave it as a gift’. When we found out, we had a correspondence. “The party will pay for it,” he said.

Özel, who also accepted the messages he sent to Afyonkarahisar Mayor Burcu Köksal, who joined the AK Party, said, “Burcu Köksal said, ‘Özgür Özel threatened me.’ I just told her, ‘If you have doubts about your husband, you should leave. This party will be your family, take care of you. I don’t believe you are a thief.’ This time, I said, ‘Two years will not be easy, but it will pass quickly. When CHP comes to power, don’t come and beg at our door.’ If this is a threat, I’m making it worse. I’m making it worse. Come on. “Let’s see,” he once again garnered a reaction.

An important stage has been reached in the comprehensive investigation carried out by the Bolu Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office against Bolu Municipality. The indictment prepared within the scope of the investigation, which covers accusations of bribery, extortion, fraud and violation of the Foundations Law, was completed and presented to the court.

A lawsuit was requested against a total of 19 suspects, including Bolu Mayor Tanju Özcan and Deputy Mayor Süleyman Can, who were arrested within the scope of the investigation.

THE INDICTMENT WAS SENT TO THE COURT

It was learned that the 178-page indictment was sent to the Bolu 3rd High Criminal Court after it was approved by Bolu Chief Public Prosecutor İbrahim Cansever. It was stated that some transactions, tender processes and foundation-related practices within the municipality were scrutinized in the investigation. It was noted that the suspects were accused of “bribery”, “extortion”, “fraud” and “opposition to the Foundations Law”.

MINISTRIES ARE LOCATED AS CLIENTS

In the indictment, it was seen that the Ministry of Treasury and Finance, the General Directorate of Foundations and the Ministry of Internal Affairs were among the “plaintiff/complainant” institutions. It was stated that the investigation was expanded due to some transactions that were considered to cause public harm.

Work is coming to the final stage for the “Turkish Maritime Jurisdiction Areas Law”, which is described as the “National Pact of the Turkish seas” and also referred to as the “Blue Homeland Law”. The law is not just a technical maritime law regulation; It is aimed to stand out as a strategic framework that connects Türkiye’s sovereignty and jurisdiction claims in the Aegean, Eastern Mediterranean and Black Sea to domestic law. The regulation, which aims to go beyond the Territorial Waters Law No. 2674 dated 1982, aims to gather the dispersed structure regarding the protection of the continental shelf, exclusive economic zone (EEZ), adjacent region and marine resources under one roof. The proposal, which is expected to eliminate the lack of a “framework law”, is also considered as a critical step that will strengthen the legal infrastructure of the “Blue Homeland” doctrine.

Ankara University Maritime Law National Research Center (DEHUKAM) held a press conference regarding the work carried out within the scope of the Draft Turkish Maritime Jurisdiction Areas Law.

ERHAN: THE RIGHTS AND INTERESTS OF THE TURKISH NATION ARISING FROM INTERNATIONAL LAW WERE TAKEN INTO CONSIDERATION

Çağrı Erhan, Deputy Chairman of the Presidential Security and Foreign Policies Board, who attended the meeting, stated that maritime law is dynamic, cannot be compared with 20 years ago, and is an area of ​​law that continues to expand. Pointing out that Türkiye should closely follow the studies on maritime law because it is surrounded by sea on three sides, Erhan said, “Turkey is not only the implementer of maritime law terminology, but also a state that directly contributes to the creation of these concepts and their legalization.” Stating that DEHUKAM has carried out important studies in the field of maritime law, Erhan stated that maritime law studies in Türkiye started a long time ago. Erhan said, “I believe that from this point on, this draft will turn into a proposal and then into a law in a short time.” he said. Underlining that the draft law is a text that most clearly reveals Türkiye’s view of the seas, Erhan said:
“While preparing the text of this law, Turkey did not put forward a text by bracketing any country. We are talking about a text that emerged as a result of studies carried out by taking into account the rights and interests of the Turkish nation arising from international law. Other countries may think as if they were the only ones in the world and Turkey was doing something with them in mind. This was not an issue that was taken into consideration much while preparing the legal studies. Türkiye already has rights and interests arising from international law and will continue them. The ‘Blue Homeland Law’ applies to Türkiye and May it be beneficial to the Turkish nation.”

ÖNEL: THE PREPARED DRAFT FRAMEWORK IS A DRAFT

DEHUKAM Chairman Süleyman Önel stated that the prepared draft will be comprehensive and said, “75 percent of the world consists of seas. Therefore, it is necessary to evaluate the seas in every field. The draft study is to determine a general framework within the scope of our country’s interests. The prepared draft framework is a draft.”

PRESIDENT: IT CONTAINS GIVING AUTHORITY TO THE PRESIDENCY

DEHUKAM Director Mustafa Başkara underlined that the draft was compiled with a flexible writing technique and was prepared to fill the gap in the meaning of the law and said, “It is a law that includes regulations in areas such as narcotic incidents and maritime crimes, which have increased especially in recent times. It includes determining the width of Turkish jurisdictions and regulations, determining general rules and authorizing the Presidency.”

TURKEY HAS AN AGENDA REGARDING ALL THE WORLD’S SEAS

Başkara stated that many regulations will be implemented if they become law, and said, “The law also gives powers regarding the declaration of special purpose maritime areas. Special statuses can be declared. The regulation regarding Turkish jurisdictions is included. It will be inclusive in determining Türkiye’s maritime jurisdiction areas and determining the activities there. Turkey has an agenda not only for the seas surrounding itself but also for all the world’s seas. Turkey has become a party to the BBNJ agreement despite its justified objection to the UN convention on the law of the sea.”

ACER: PROBLEMS WITH NEIGHBORING COUNTRIES ARE NOT SOLVED

DEHUKAM Board Member Yücel Acer noted that the first law on territorial waters in Türkiye was enacted in 1962, and then another law was enacted in 1982. Stating that there are steps taken by Türkiye, Acer said, “There are international agreements made by Türkiye. Türkiye’s declaration of its continental shelf and notification to the UN shows that Türkiye’s legal work on the maritime area has increased. We know that the concept of blue homeland in Türkiye has recently been effective, especially on the young generation. Turkey has not completely resolved its maritime problems with the relevant countries. Our problems continue, especially with some neighboring states. We thought that our theses should be strengthened by law.”

DECISIONS WILL BE MADE TO SUPPORT Türkiye’S INTERESTS

Stating that the law is considered as a framework law, Acer said, “The issue of the width of Turkish territorial waters attracts attention, especially in the context of the Aegean Sea. The width of Turkish territorial waters has been determined as 6 miles since 1964. It is in Türkiye’s interests to declare territorial waters wider than 6 miles. It gives this authority to our President. He will support the decision in 1964. There will be no contradiction with the Montreux Straits Convention. The Dardanelles and the Bosphorus are Türkiye’s internal waters. “Turkey is not a party to the UN convention on the law of the sea. More than 160 states are party to this convention. This will strengthen our hand with this law, rather than the 82 conventions. The main purpose of preparing this draft is not to create a problem with Greece. We are trying to solve the problems through dialogue,” he said.

Breaking news… Minister of Justice Akın Gürlek, in his post on his social media account, stated that the strong coordination and coordination between the Ministry of Justice and the Ministry of Internal Affairs, under the leadership of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, is the greatest guarantee of their fight against criminal centers.

Minister Gürlek noted the following in his post:

COMPREHENSIVE OPERATION IN 35 PROVINCES

“Under the coordination of our Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office, a comprehensive operation was carried out in 35 provinces centered in Istanbul, using artificial intelligence-supported programs against networks that conduct illegal betting and gambling and obtain criminal income in this way.

108 DETENTION

Within the scope of the operation, 108 suspects were detained, access to 5 thousand 151 websites mediating the crime was blocked, and another dirty network in the virtual world was eliminated. “The institutions of our state work shoulder to shoulder for the peace of our citizens, the unity of our families and the well-being of our youth.”

Gürlek wholeheartedly thanked the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office and the Istanbul Provincial Police Department, who carried out the operation with great devotion, and emphasized that the operations against digital crime structures and illegal betting will continue with determination.

Under the coordination of our Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office; A comprehensive operation was carried out in 35 provinces centered in Istanbul, using artificial intelligence-supported programs, against networks that conduct illegal betting and gambling and obtain criminal income in this way.

Within the scope of the operation, 108…

— Akın Gürlek (@abakingurlek) May 12, 2026

Ministry of Internal Affairs: “69 suspects were caught in operations carried out by our Gendarmerie against FETO in 33 provinces.” he said. The Ministry said, “43 of the suspects were arrested. Judicial control provisions were implemented for 7 of them. The procedures for the others are continuing.” he said.

In its briefing, the Ministry stated the following:

Suspects caught in operations organized in 33 provinces by Provincial Gendarmerie Commands under the coordination of Gendarmerie General Command TEM Department and Chief Public Prosecutor’s Offices; It was determined that they were operating within the current structure of the terrorist organization, were in contact with responsible individuals within the organization, provided finance to so-called aid organizations affiliated with the terrorist organization, made propaganda for the terrorist organization through their social media accounts, and attempted to escape abroad.

We continue our fight with determination against FETO and its structures that threaten the peace and welfare of our citizens.

We congratulate our heroic Gendarmerie, our Department, our Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office and all those who contributed.

69 suspects were captured in operations carried out by our Gendarmerie against FETO in 33 provinces.

43 of the suspects were arrested. Judicial control provisions were applied to 7 of them. Others’ operations continue.

Gendarmerie General Command TEM Department and the Republic… pic.twitter.com/6HC52JkD2K

— TR Ministry of Internal Affairs (@TC_icisleri) May 12, 2026