Babacan wishes for freedoms in Turkey in new year
Former Deputy Prime Minister Ali Babacan has shared a series of tweets to mark the beginning of 2020. "There are no problems that we can't overcome with courage, self esteem, determination, cooperation, dialogue and common sense," Babacan, who quit the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) in July and who has been working on founding a new political party, said.
Duvar English
Former Deputy Prime Minister Ali Babacan has wished for freedoms in Turkey in the new year, as he shared his first Twitter post since June 20, 2015.
"I want Turkey to experience freedoms to the fullest, where all of our citizens express their thoughts without fear and where law and justice prevails," Babacan, who quit the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) in July and who has been working on founding a new political party, said on Jan. 1.
"With the year 2020, our people, especially our youth, shall look at the future with hope and trust. It will be the year of a brand new beginning for our country," he also said.
Saying that the new year will be a year that fears and pessimism will decrease while courage and hopes increase, Babacan noted that polarizing language will be replaced by politics that unite.
"I want Turkey to have decreased poverty, equality of opportunities in all areas, where people live in prosperity and abundance and can find jobs," he said, adding that he wishes for a country where people who show the will to live together are united around a common goal for the future.
In his tweets, Babacan also stressed the need for peace, while also touching upon one of the most serious problems in Turkey - violence against women.
"I want Turkey to fight against violence against women as a whole and to strengthen women as equal citizens. I want our children and youth, who are our most valuables, to access quality education under equal circumstances," he said.
While stressing his wish for Turkey to improve its international reputation, Babacan noted that the country needs to contribute to peace in the region and the world.
The former Deputy Prime Minister also said that diplomacy is necessary, as he wished for peace, prosperity and social justice in the world.
"I want environmental issues to be handled seriously," Babacan said.
When concluding his series of tweets, Babacan said that they will continue to struggle for more democracy, justice and freedoms with the motto of "People first!"
"There are no problems that we can't overcome with courage, self esteem, determination, cooperation, dialogue and common sense," he added.