Turkish PM presents new govt programme to parliament
Turkey’s prime minister laid out his programme for the next five years today, focusing on reforms designed to strengthen the economy and bring the Muslim country closer to European Union membership.
Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan, reading his programme to Parliament, said the government would press ahead with democratic reforms to join the EU, overhaul the constitution and pursue “zero tolerance” against torture.
His speech came three days after his close ally, Abdullah Gul, won the presidency in a parliamentary vote after months of confrontation with military-backed, secular circles.
“The goal of European Union membership has put our economy on a stronger footing,” said Erdogan, a devout Muslim who has pledged to respect Turkey’s secular principles.
The government will also continue with structural reforms to boost the economy and maintain its policy of fiscal discipline to reach price stability, Erdogan said.
“Structural reforms will continue with determination,” he said.
Erdogan also pledged the government’s resolve to fight separatist Kurdish rebels.
“Our attitude against any formation threatening our national security will continue without any capitulation,” he said.
