A former Turkish president Friday brushed aside a suggestion by a former leftist leader that he run for another term in 2019, under the nation’s new executive presidential system.
Speaking to reporters after Friday prayers, Abdullah Gul said the suggestion by Deniz Baykal, former leader of the main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP), likely was the result of internal CHP politics.
On Baykal’s suggestion, Gul attributed it to “intra-party revenge and politics,” adding, “Frankly, I never took seriously what was said about me.”
Baykal, who lost his position as CHP leader in a 2010 scandal, told CNN Turk that if his successor, Kemal Kilicdaroglu, wouldn’t run for president representing the losing No bloc from last month’s referendum, “Abdullah Gul could be the candidate of the 49 percent. If Gul could be the candidate, this should be evaluated."
In the April 16 referendum, Turkish voters approved changes to the country’s constitution, ushering in an executive presidency.
According to official results, the Yes campaign won with 51.41 percent, while the No vote stood at 48.59 percent.
‘I will not re-enter daily politics’
Gul, a founder of the ruling Justice and Development (AK) Party who served as president in 2007-2014, also said, "I have repeatedly said that I would not enter daily politics."
He added: "But, I have the responsibility to share all of my knowledge and experience to my country if needed. I have personally shared them with my friends ruling the country. When needed, I have also shared them with the public. I will continue to share them in the same way."
On Turkey's political situation following the April 16 referendum, he said, “Turkey is in the position of being polarized enough and being tired of the referendum. For this reason, Turkey should look to the future."
He said: "There are important issues in front of Turkey, and developments threatening Turkey's national interests. There are so many economic expectations inside, issues, the needs of the nation. Everyone should turn towards these issues, should work to find solutions for them, and should do their best for this cause."
Before his term as president, Gul also served as prime minister and foreign minister.