Turkish President and Justice and Development Party (AKP) Chairman Recep Tayyip Erdoğan proclaimed the dawn of a "new era" for the ruling party during his address at the 8th Ordinary Grand Congress on Sunday.

Speaking to a crowd of approximately 60,000 supporters at the Ankara Sports Hall, Erdoğan described the AKP as "renewed, reinvigorated, and stronger," signaling a revitalized push toward the party’s long-term goals.

Despite challenging weather conditions, thousands of AKP faithful turned out to hear Erdoğan reaffirm the party’s commitment to its national vision. "Our goal remains to earn the prayers and goodwill of our beloved nation," he said, thanking both veteran members and newcomers for their dedication. He urged unity and resilience within the ranks, placing special emphasis on the role of youth and women. "Young people, are you ready to safeguard the sacred trust passed down to you?" he asked, rallying them to lead Türkiye toward the AKP’s ambitious 2053 and 2071 visions.

Erdoğan praised the resilience of his supporters, noting their defiance of "snow, storms, or harsh weather" to attend the congress. "We do not fear the elements," he declared, framing their turnout as a testament to the monumental responsibility they carry. The president also took a swipe at the opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP), referencing last year’s vote-buying allegations. "We completed this congress in a climate of brotherhood befitting the AK Party, without fighting, without noise, and more importantly, without any shame," he said.

Closing his speech, Erdoğan expressed gratitude to the crowd and underscored the AKP’s dedication to unity and progress as it embarks on this new chapter. The event, a pivotal moment in the party’s trajectory, sets the stage for Erdoğan to steer the AKP toward future elections and advance its developmental agenda for Türkiye. (ILKHA)