Presidential candidate Muharrem İnce promises to build factories, create jobs

ISTANBUL

Muharrem İnce, the presidential candidate of the main opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP), has promised to build factories and create more job opportunities, criticizing President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s pledge to build coffee shops full of books. 

“Look at his [Erdoğan’s] promises. He pledges to build stadiums, parks and coffee shops with books. He says you will eat cake there for free. I, on the other hand, am telling you that I will find jobs for our children. I will build factories. I will educate our children well,” İnce said in a rally in the Istanbul district of Esenyurt on June 10.

His comment came after ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) leader Erdoğan promised to build “coffee shops for every neighborhood” providing free snacks and drinks for youngsters.

“They will be full of books. There will be coffee, cake. Youths and old people will come. They will read, eat cake, drink coffee and tea. It will all be free,” Erdoğan said on June 8 in the southern province of Hatay.

CHP candidate İnce also criticized the current economic situation in Turkey, warning that “a crisis is on the way.”

“[The AKP] is bankrupting our country. The truck is about to hit the wall. We have to change this tired man,” he said, referring to Erdoğan.

“We can overcome [the crisis] with fresh blood,” he added, noting that he has a strong team including “qualified economists.”

“We have a great cadre. I will bring the ship safely to shore. You should not worry,” İnce said, pledging to create a “peaceful environment.”

“I will teach you how to smile again. I pledge peace and tranquility. I promise happiness, peace, prosperity, jobs, bread, a Turkey that is not robbed,” he added.