Erdoğan to children: 'Do not get corrupt when you assume authority'

During a speech to mark April 23 Children's Day, Turkish President Erdoğan has told children "not to get corrupt” should they “assume authority” one day.

Duvar English

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has given a series of advices to children during a speech on April 23 National Sovereignty and Children's Day.

During a ceremony held to mark the event, Erdoğan told children “not to get corrupt” should they “assume authority.” “When you have a say and influence in life's different areas tomorrow, when you assume authority, do not ever succumb to time, do not ever get corrupt,” Erdoğan said, addressing children.

“Protect your family, friends and school tightly. Use the opportunities of the technology, but do not be ever its prisoner. Take what is taught to you at the school, but do not limit yourself to it. Life is the best teacher. Do not sever your connection to life,” Erdoğan further said.

On April 23, 1929, upon the proposal of Mustafa Atatürk, the founder of the Turkish Republic, the parliament decreed April 23 as a national holiday dedicated to children. Thus Turkey became the first country in the world that celebrates an official Children’s Day.

Today this national holiday is celebrated in Turkey with several ceremonies and performances. Also, hundreds of children from different countries come to Turkey to take part in these festivities.

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