PM Erdogan: 'Capital racists' lead opposition to foreign invesment in Turkey
Güncelleme Tarihi:
Oluşturulma Tarihi: Ekim 12, 2005 10:47
Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan, in a speech denouncing critics of the government's privatization policies, qualified opposition voices as "capital racists," said that the "enemies of capital" in Turkey were akin to those whose backward mentality slowed down the development of the printing press. Referring to recent reaction in the media and among opposition party members to announcements of investment in Turkey by Isreali businessman Sami Ofer and Dubai Sheik Al Maktum, PM Erdogan noted "It is impossible to find an investor who pleases them."
Said Erdogan: "The accession process in front of is will strengthen Turkey in every way possible, and it will be a period of growth and investment. Today the whole world is watching and sees that we are not a country which says "they are partners and we are the market." Those days are now far behind us. Let's not forget that the opportunities which will enrich us are some of the large resources that the EU has an urgent need for."
"We do not have any time to waste with these people"
Erdogan went on: "Sadly, we see that there are many people who are living in the past. There are those who do not understand correctly these latest developments....But we do not have any time to waste with these people....Those who are uncomfortable with Turkey opening its windows and doors to the world essentially trust neither this administration nor the people of the country. They are trying to scare the government and the people. We cannot please these people with any of the investors who come to Turkey.....The only thing these people know how to do is oppose. Now they have risen to oppose foreign investment. Some call them "old fashioned Communists," but I call them "capital racists." When history is written, they will be on the same page as those who slowed the development of the printing press, they will be remembered as leg irons. This is what I am calling out to them from here today."
"We do not have any time to waste with these people"
Erdogan went on: "Sadly, we see that there are many people who are living in the past. There are those who do not understand correctly these latest developments....But we do not have any time to waste with these people....Those who are uncomfortable with Turkey opening its windows and doors to the world essentially trust neither this administration nor the people of the country. They are trying to scare the government and the people. We cannot please these people with any of the investors who come to Turkey.....The only thing these people know how to do is oppose. Now they have risen to oppose foreign investment. Some call them "old fashioned Communists," but I call them "capital racists." When history is written, they will be on the same page as those who slowed the development of the printing press, they will be remembered as leg irons. This is what I am calling out to them from here today."