Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan emphasized the importance of ethical conduct in public service during a speech at the “Signing Ceremony of Cooperation Protocol on Ethics Training and Training of Ethics Trainers” held at the Presidential Complex.

Addressing public officials, President Erdoğan underscored the temporary nature of their roles, stating: “All these offices, all these powers have been entrusted to us by our nation.” He urged officials to serve with sincerity to earn the blessings of Allah and the good wishes of the Turkish people, prioritizing public good above all else. “Our top priority is to ensure that all our citizens benefit from public services equally, equitably, and adequately,” he said.

Erdoğan took a firm stance against misuse of authority, declaring: “We show no mercy for those who abuse their power, who fail to meet the demands and expectations of the people, who become a part of the problem rather than the solution, who undermine the state’s prestige, or who squander public resources.” He emphasized that the state must operate with order, harmony, and precision as a mechanism dedicated to serving its citizens.

Highlighting the distinction between legality and ethics, the President noted that compliance with laws does not always equate to ethical conduct. He expressed his administration’s resolve to prevent any violation of citizens’ rights and called on public officials to act with utmost diligence in upholding ethical standards. (ILKHA)