ISTANBUL – ANSWER. OUR Recep Tayyip Erdogan proceeded to officially confirm the date of the presidential elections in Turkey, which will be held on 14 May. After yesterday’s meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers, in his statements, he emphasized that the decision was made on a specific date, and stated that “if the relevant decision is not made by the parliament on May 14, then I, as president, will make this decision.” “.

Erdogan chose the date as it coincides with the election of former Prime Minister Adnan Menderes to power for the first time in 1950. At the start of the election campaign, Erdogan yesterday announced the cancellation of the debts of millions of citizens in another clear attempt to sway public opinion. opinion ahead of the May elections. The partial (or in some cases full) debt relief package will cover the period up to December 31, 2022 and includes debts from taxes, insurance premiums, administrative fines, student loans, unpaid calls, tolls, tolls, etc.

The decision to write off the debt was taken by the cabinet of ministers, and the Turkish president said that Sweden should not expect Ankara to support NATO membership.

Meanwhile, the Turkish President said that Sweden should not expect Ankara’s support in joining the NATO. “You cannot expect any support from us when terrorist organizations are raiding your streets. Don’t expect any support on the NATO issue. Since you love them so much, hand over the security of your country to these organizations,” Erdogan said.

According to political analysts, the Turkish government will continue to prevent the integration of Sweden before the elections. He can present demonstrations and burning of the Koran in front of the Turkish embassy as an excuse, events that are reprehensible, but they say that until Ankara receives US approval for the supply. and the modernization of the F-16, it will continue to cause concern in NATO and veto the efforts of Stockholm.

However, the Turkish government is trying to find alternative solutions in weapons programs. The Al Monitor website and TGRT Haber broadcaster reported that Turkey is preparing a “giant” arms program in cooperation with Britain. According to information, the cost of weapons systems that Ankara plans to buy from London reaches $10 billion. Of these, it is planned to purchase 24 or 48 Eurofighter Typhoon fighters, 9 C-130J transport aircraft, 3 Type 23 frigates and engines for the modernization of M-60 tanks. Military analysts note that if the first half of 2023 does not clear the landscape for the F-16, then Turkey will have to coordinate the weapons program with the British government.