Turkish leader criticizes opposition presidential candidate over Russia remarks

By Diyar Guldogan

ANKARA (AA) - Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Saturday criticized opposition presidential candidate Kemal Kilicdaroglu’s claim that Russia is interfering in Türkiye's upcoming elections.

"What did Kremlin's spokesperson say? (Dmitry) Peskov says: 'He (Kilicdaroglu) is lying, he should explain, he should prove it.'

"Do you have proof? No! Then, he starts shifting ground. He says: 'We heard like that. There is no evidence but (it is) possible.' What kind of politics is that? My nation will not surrender this country to you," Erdogan said at a rally in Istanbul ahead of Sunday's presidential and parliamentary elections.

On Thursday, Kilicdaroglu, the leader of the main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP) and joint candidate for the six-party opposition Nation Alliance, accused Russia of being behind video content allegedly discrediting candidates for the presidency in the upcoming May 14 elections.

Peskov on Friday rejected accusations, saying there can be no question of any interference of Russia in the Turkish elections, and that "those who spread such rumors are liars."

"Kemal says that we will impose sanctions on Russia. … What kind of mindset is this? What kind of understanding is this?" Erdogan said.

He added that Russia is one of Türkiye's important allies in agriculture, defense industry, and tourism.

"Where do nearly 5.5 million tourists come to us from? It comes from Russia. What will you do about it? Will you do it with the instruction you received from America? Are you going to do it on the instructions you got from (US President Joe) Biden?

"Biden instructed that 'We have to bring Erdogan down.' I know this. All my people know this. Now, tomorrow, the ballot boxes will give an answer to Biden as well," Erdogan said.

On Sunday, Türkiye will go to polls to elect a new president and also members of the 600-seat parliament.

On the presidential ballot, voters will choose between Erdogan, Kilicdaroglu, and Sinan Ogan. Muharrem Ince, another presidential contender, withdrew from the race on Thursday.