Family a matter of national security: Erdoğan

ANKARA

President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan on Monday said the family institution was a matter of national security warning against growing threats targeting social values, during a speech at an event organised by his ruling party’s women’s branch.

Erdoğan described the family as the “core pillar” of society, arguing that any damage to its structure could have long-term consequences for the nation.

He said the government had stepped up policies to protect and strengthen families, citing recent initiatives including financial support programmes and the designation of 2025 as the “Year of the Family.”

Erdoğan also warned of rising forms of addiction, including digital dependency, gambling and substance use, which he said posed significant risks to families and young people.

He called for continued efforts to shield children from harmful online content and underlined the government’s determination to combat illegal betting and other social threats.