Erdoğan Targets CHP Leader, Announces Saudi Energy Deal and Earthquake Housing Plan

President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan delivered a wide-ranging and sharply worded speech at the AK Party (AK Parti) parliamentary group meeting, addressing domestic politics, foreign policy, renewable energy investments, and post-earthquake housing projects. His remarks included pointed criticism of CHP leader Özgür Özel, strong condemnation of attacks on a female mayor for her attire, and new details on a renewable energy agreement with Saudi Arabia.

Erdoğan’s speech reflected both political confrontation and policy messaging, underscoring ongoing debates within Turkey’s political landscape.

Erdoğan Condemns Criticism Targeting Mayor Zeynep Güneş

One of the central themes of the address was Erdoğan’s response to remarks about Mihalgazi Mayor Zeynep Güneş‘s clothing. Referring to statements made by an opposition politician, Erdoğan strongly condemned what he described as discriminatory rhetoric.

“I once again condemn this fascist, arrogant, condescending mindset — a remnant of February 28,” Erdoğan said, referencing Turkey’s 1997 political process widely associated with secularist pressure on religious expression.

He added, “We did not turn a blind eye to prohibitive and oppressive approaches. I condemn the attack on Zeynep Güneş. We will stand firm against those trying to revive the dark days of the past.”

Erdoğan also thanked Güneş and others who attended the meeting wearing traditional white headscarves, stating that their presence reflected “the dignity of Anatolian women.”

Renewable Energy Deal With Saudi Arabia

Turning to foreign policy and economic cooperation, Erdoğan highlighted his recent visits to Saudi Arabia and Egypt, during which multiple agreements were signed. He announced a renewable energy partnership with Saudi Arabia that will result in the construction of solar power plants in Turkey.

“We signed an agreement in the field of renewable energy with Saudi Arabia. Under this agreement, Saudi companies will establish solar power plants in Sivas and Karaman. The electricity needs of 2.1 million households will be met,” Erdoğan stated.

The announcement positions the agreement as a significant step in Turkey’s renewable energy strategy, particularly in expanding solar power capacity. The planned projects in Sivas and Karaman are expected to contribute to national energy diversification and sustainability goals.

Erdoğan added that Turkey continues to strengthen diplomatic ties across the region and emphasized that the country seeks cooperation rather than confrontation.

Syria Policy and Criticism of CHP Leader Özgür Özel

A substantial portion of Erdoğan’s remarks focused on developments in Syria and criticism of the main opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP). He defended Turkey’s longstanding position on Syria, stating that Ankara supports stability based on a “single army, single state, single Syria” framework.

“Our position on Syria has been clear from day one. Regardless of Arab, Turkmen, or Kurdish identity, the loss of a single life in Syria is like losing a part of our own soul,” Erdoğan said.

He stressed that Syria’s natural and economic resources should benefit the Syrian people and stated that Turkey will continue to closely monitor developments in the country.

Erdoğan then directly criticized CHP leader Özgür Özel, saying, “Neither Kurds nor Nusayris matter to them. If they did, they would have reacted while barrel bombs were raining down on the Syrian people for 13.5 years.”

In one of the most striking lines of his speech, Erdoğan said, “He should now stop playing politics with tavern jargon. The CHP tradition of each new leader making people miss the previous one remains. The one who replaced him turned out worse than his predecessor.”

He further commented, “The new chairman’s vocabulary is even more limited than the previous one’s.”

Earthquake Housing Projects and Payment Plan

Erdoğan also addressed reconstruction efforts following the devastating February 6 Kahramanmaraş earthquakes, outlining details of housing projects in the 11 affected provinces.

“Our citizens in 11 provinces will receive their homes at fixed prices. We will offer our housing at an average price of around 1.8 million lira. For our 3+1 apartments, payments will be fixed at 3,000 lira for 18 years. Payments will begin two years after the keys are delivered. Those who wish to pay upfront can purchase these homes for 484,000 lira,” he said.

The payment structure is designed to provide long-term affordability, particularly for earthquake survivors rebuilding their lives. The delayed payment start and fixed installment plan were presented as measures to ease financial burdens.