President Gül Shares His Views on Current Affairs

President Abdullah Gül, paying a domestic visit to the city of Kütahya, responded to queries from the press about the current affairs. 

President Abdullah Gül responded to queries from the press about the current affairs after his visit to the Governorate of the city of Kütahya.

Question: Mr. President, have you determined the date when you will discuss the upcoming presidential elections with the Prime Minister? The Prime Minister has told the press that he will exerted his rights to the fullest extent if he is elected president, which has led to discussion. What do you think about that, sir? 

President Gül: “It is natural for a country like Turkey where everyone can express their views on anything freely to discuss the presidential elections as well. I have made statements regarding your question several times before as a matter of fact. The Supreme Election Board has already announced how the presidential elections are to be held. I believe that these upcoming elections will be held smoothly. Previous debates will not be seen this time, I believe. Let no political risk be put upon the shoulders of the country. Therefore, I suggest being relaxed about that. Different names could come out for candidacy in the days to come. We will discuss my position with the Prime Minister of course. After the candidates have been announced, another process will take place. On the other hand, we see many speculations regarding this issue. It has been a great honot for me to serve my country in different public offices. At this point, I would like to share with you that I have no political plan for the future given the current circumstances.” 

Q: Mr. President, is the Medvedev-Putin model possible for Turkey? I mean would you consider taking the office of the Prime Minister? 

President Gül: “I am not of the opinion that such models are appropriate for a democracy, to be honest.” 

Q: Sir, do you mean that you will quit politics if you do not run for a second term in office? 

President Gül: “I told you that I have no such plan under the current conditions.” 

Q: Mr. President, can we gather from your words that you could run for president? 

President Gül: “I have clearly commented on that as well, I believe. Being the current president limits me in discussing some issues. However, it was not a decision that I made on my own when I entered politics and became president. Therefore, I will talk to my friends about that as well. This is what I have already told you. These are transparent issues that are discussed publicly in our country which is mature enough to do that indeed.”

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