Erdoğan Rejects Trump–Maduro Claim

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has firmly denied claims circulating in the U.S. press that former U.S. President Donald Trump allegedly предложed Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro relocate to Turkey. Speaking to reporters after his party’s parliamentary group meeting, Erdoğan dismissed the allegation outright, stating clearly, “There is no such thing. We have received no such information.”

The denial came amid renewed international attention following reports by U.S. media outlets suggesting that Maduro could have sought refuge abroad after developments involving the United States. Erdoğan’s statement aimed to shut down speculation and reaffirm Turkey’s position amid a sensitive diplomatic narrative.

2026 Announced as a “Reform Year”

Earlier in the day, Erdoğan delivered a wide-ranging speech at the ruling Justice and Development Party (AK Party) group meeting, where he declared that 2026 will be a comprehensive reform year for Turkey. He announced that the “Turkey Century Reform Program” will be rolled out, positioning it as a roadmap covering justice, education, health, infrastructure, climate policy, and economic resilience.

Opening his address, Erdoğan expressed gratitude to party members and supporters, saying:
“I feel great happiness to be together with you, my dear companions, at this first group meeting of 2026. I wish our meeting to bring goodness to our country, our nation, our party, and our democracy.”

AK Party Membership Numbers and CHP Comparison

A significant portion of Erdoğan’s speech focused on political organization and party strength. Referring to newly released data from the Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office of the Court of Cassation, Erdoğan highlighted the AK Party’s membership figures, stating:
“According to these figures, our AK Party maintained its leading position in 2025 with 11 million 543 thousand 301 members. The difference between us and the main opposition CHP exceeds 9.6 million members.”

He described the AK Party as a continuously growing political movement and emphasized that party affiliation transcends titles or positions, underlining unity and commitment to national service.

Emphasis on Governance During Global Crises

Erdoğan framed 2025 as a year marked by intense global instability, pointing to wars, regional conflicts, and economic pressures. He argued that despite these challenges, his government successfully safeguarded Turkey’s national interests.

Referring to issues ranging from the Russia–Ukraine war and the Gaza conflict to tensions involving Iran and Sudan, Erdoğan stated that Turkey navigated these developments without compromising sovereignty or strategic priorities. He stressed that the administration upheld its responsibility to the public, describing governance as a sacred trust.

Earthquake Recovery and Infrastructure Achievements

Among the most concrete policy points, Erdoğan highlighted post-earthquake reconstruction as a top priority in 2025. He announced that 455,000 disaster housing units had been completed and allocated, fulfilling commitments made to earthquake survivors.

In infrastructure and urban development, Erdoğan cited new highways, bridges, tunnels, rail projects, and airport expansions, including the Aydın–Denizli Highway and the expanded Antalya Airport terminal. He also emphasized progress in transportation, aviation, and maritime trade, noting that Turkey’s commercial fleet now ranks among the world’s top ten.

Reforms in Justice, Education, and Health

The president provided extensive figures on public sector reforms. In the judiciary, he referenced the enactment of the 10th and 11th Judicial Reform Packages, the appointment of thousands of judges, prosecutors, and court personnel, and the opening of new judicial buildings.

In education, Erdoğan highlighted the construction of over 9,300 classrooms, the recruitment of more than 16,000 teachers, and the free distribution of 228 million textbooks. He also pointed to Turkey’s growing success in international competitions, where students earned hundreds of medals across science, sports, and technology.

Health sector achievements included record-high patient service numbers, new family health centers, expanded ambulance fleets, and increased medical personnel. Erdoğan described these developments as part of a broader vision of a self-sufficient and productive healthcare system.

Climate Policy, Housing, and Agriculture

Erdoğan also underscored environmental and climate initiatives, noting the enactment of Turkey’s first Climate Law, the expansion of the Zero Waste Project, and preparations to host COP31. In housing, he announced the “100-Year Housing Project,” aiming to build 500,000 social housing units nationwide.

In agriculture, he cited substantial financial support for farmers, including compensation for frost damage affecting 65 provinces, and extensive investments in water, irrigation, and flood control infrastructure.

Response to Maduro Speculation and Political Debate

After the group meeting, Erdoğan again addressed questions on the Maduro issue, reiterating:
“There is no such thing. There is no information like this conveyed to us.”

The topic had also been raised by opposition figures, including CHP leader Özgür Özel, who questioned whether Ankara had prior knowledge of any such proposal. Erdoğan’s response aimed to draw a clear line under the controversy.

Outlook for 2026

Concluding his remarks, Erdoğan positioned 2026 as a decisive year, emphasizing accountability, reform, and resilience. He reiterated that the government would continue to report directly to the public, stating that “holding oneself accountable to the people is an indispensable requirement of democracy.”