Concerned by the increased bickering among political leaders in the lead-up to September’s constitutional referendum, President Abdullah Gül has warned political leaders to watch their manners while campaigning.
“I have difficulty in bringing them together,” he said Wednesday while speaking to journalists traveling with him to Azerbaijan.
With the Sept.12 referendum quickly approaching, party leaders have targeted each other in public speeches, sparking concern from Gül, who criticized their wording for being unbecoming to Turkey, daily Milliyet reported.
The president also criticized parties for urging citizens to vote “yes” or “no” without explaining the details of the constitutional amendment.
“Instead of simple words, they’re giving speeches in the vein of a general election. This isn’t becoming to the esteemed level Turkey has achieved,” he said.
Party leaders have targeted each other in speeches during their referendum campaign tours, sparking concern from the president over the insults and allegations being used by all sides. “There are many dangers to their language. It’s a very hurtful and personal language,” he said.
“This is a very dangerous situation. It has come to the point where there is an incredible distance between them. I talk to them, but have difficulty in bringing them together,” he said.
“This needs to stop,” said Gül, who pointed out that the politicians had to come together to make crucial decisions for Turkey, but would not be able to make a mutual decision without trust
