In a statement, Director of Communications Fahrettin Altun said that the National Solidarity Campaign launched under the instruction and leadership of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan aimed to reinforce national solidarity in the fight against coronavirus.
Indicating that the campaign’s aim was also to coordinate the more effective fulfilment of the needs of individuals who might suffer due to the measures taken in this process, Altun said that the campaign launched with the slogan “We are self-sufficient, Turkey” emerged as a response to the state and nation’s call for solidarity.
“Following the onset of the coronavirus pandemic and its entry into Turkey, so many benevolent citizens appealed to our government and asked how they could help those in need in the best, quickest and fairest way”, Director of Communications Altun said.
Altun underlined that, in response to such strong demand, President Erdoğan thought the best course of action would be to initiate a national solidarity campaign and launched this campaign by donating seven of his monthly salaries.
"We strongly refuse smear attempts"
Noting that the campaign had a broad repercussion in a short time, Altun said:
"The campaign has received support from citizens both in Turkey and abroad, and has once again demonstrated the benevolence of the Turkish nation. Furthermore, we observe with regret that certain circles are targeting the National Solidarity Campaign and making unfair accusations against our government and our state over the campaign. We strongly refuse smear attempts against this campaign through some manipulative news in the media.
It should not be forgotten that the National Solidarity Campaign is entirely on voluntary basis. In this sense, it is out of question for any public institution or organization to deduct from the salaries of its employees in order to support the campaign. Under no conditions would such a method be acceptable.”
Expressing his gratitude to all those who supported this campaign, which would add strength to Turkey’s fight against coronavirus and facilitate remedying the deficiencies of those citizens in need, Altun said, “We believe that we will leave these tough days behind as soon as possible. When we look back, we will proudly remember the unity, solidarity, and cooperation exhibited by our august nation.”
“We are Turkey, we are the Turkish Nation”
Director of Communications Altun also shared a video on his Twitter account regarding the campaign “We are self-sufficient, Turkey” launched by President Erdoğan.
Altun stated that the nation is in full solidarity for the campaign, and said “This nation stands by those in trouble, and those who are in need. Our path is brotherhood, our direction justice, #weareself-sufficientTurkey”.
The video featured President Erdoğan’s following remarks:
“We have no other friends except each other, and we have none else to rely on except each other. Turkey’s biggest strength is its unity, solidarity and brotherhood. We are Turkey, we are the Turkish Nation. We are self-sufficient, Turkey.”