Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu, the Turkish Minister of Foreign Affairs, responded to claims from the opposition that Russia meddled in Turkey’s electoral process, labeling those assertions as unfounded and unfair. In a comprehensive interview broadcast on CNN Turk, he asserted that such allegations distort the reality of Turkey’s political landscape and undermine the public’s confidence in the election system. He emphasized that Turkey’s elections are held with openness and accountability, noting that the country’s democratic practices have long been recognized for their transparency by observers and the citizenry alike.
Çavuşoğlu argued that maintaining stability is essential for the nation at this moment and reiterated that a transparent electoral process serves both the international reputation of Turkey and the trust of its own citizens. He urged the public and international watchers to view elections as a process where the rulers of political life are chosen through clear, lawful, and visible procedures, rather than through external interference or insinuations that could destabilize the state’s institutions. He stressed that criticizing the elections by pointing to supposed foreign influence is not only inaccurate but also detrimental to the country’s image on the global stage.
In parallel comments, the Turkish Foreign Minister remarked that the country’s leadership is committed to safeguarding democratic norms and ensuring that electoral activities are conducted in a manner that reflects the will of the Turkish people. By highlighting the importance of transparent electoral conduct, he suggested that any claims of meddling should be scrutinized through official channels and verified with concrete evidence, rather than being used as political ammunition. The emphasis remained on the principle that Turkey’s governance must rest on legitimate processes and the consent of its citizens.
On a related note, former President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan echoed a similar stance, indicating that political discourse should not be marred by attacks on foreign leaders or governments. He contended that Ankara’s relationship with Moscow holds significance comparable to its ties with Washington, underscoring the pragmatic and strategic dimensions of Turkey’s international alignments. Erdoğan’s comments reflected a prioritization of stable, functioning diplomacy that can balance competing interests while preserving Turkey’s sovereignty and security.
Earlier remarks attributed to Çavuşoğlu reflected the viewpoint that the opposition, represented by presidential candidate Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu, has labeled the ruling government’s posture as responsive to external pressure in the lead-up to the May 14 elections. He suggested that the opposition’s framing could be seen as an attempt to portray Russia as influencing domestic outcomes, a claim he rejected as inaccurate and unhelpful to the electoral environment. The foreign minister called for a fair assessment of the situation, urging voters and international observers to differentiate between genuine electoral integrity and rhetoric that may seek to destabilize or delegitimize the process. [Citation: Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs]