Kılıçdaroğlu pledges to expel refugees 'without being racist' in Hatay visit

In a visit yesterday (May 23) to the earthquake-stricken province of Hatay, Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu, the leader of the Republican People's Party (CHP) and the presidential candidate of the Nation's Alliance, gave a speech from a tent heading a banner bearing the message, "Decide before immigrants take over the country." 

Hatay has been one of the most battered provinces by the powerful tremors that struck on February 6. The quakes caused extensive destruction in southern and southeastern regions of Turkey, as well as impacting significant areas of Northern Syria, with the death toll in Turkey alone exceeding over 50,000 people, according to official figures.

Production hub

The presidential contender, whose main rival, incumbent Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, visited the region just a couple of days prior, also accentuated the potential for the disaster zone to become a production hub, creating employment and economic opportunities.

"We will create employment in the region. After healing the wounds, the region will also become one of the largest production centers in the Mediterranean, the Middle East, and Africa," declared the experienced politician, assuring that loans are secured to rebuild their homes.

He further addressed his concerns about refugees, stating that a project has been prepared to facilitate their return to their own countries "without being racist".

"There are complaints about refugees, don't think it's only in Hatay. The same complaints exist in all 81 provinces. The rulers in power say, 'We will not send the refugees away.' The upcoming election is important in this context. For those who place their hands on their conscience, we have a project ready to ensure refugees' return to their own countries without being racist. Within the next 2 years at the latest, we will send everyone back to their own countries," Kılıçdaroğlu remarks, adding that he condemns terrorism.

Although the 74-year-old former bureaucrat has repeatedly stated that he will send refugees away, he upped the nationalist tone and anti-immigration sentiments in his rhetoric ahead of the crucial runoff on May 28.

10 million Syrian refugees

Today (May 24), Ümit Özdağ, the leader of the anti-refugee and Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) breakaway, Victory Party (Zafer Partisi), announced his endorsement of Kılıçdaroğlu as the opposition candidate, potentially boosting his chances of securing over 50% of the vote on Sunday.

In a recent controversial video, the CHP leader asserted that there were 10 million Syrian refugees in the country and expressed his intention to send them back if he wins, citing the need to "protect our daughters."

However, the presidential candidate did not provide specific sources for their claims concerning the number of refugees. According to official government data, approximately 3.7 million Syrians are under temporary protection, and over 300,000 Afghan refugees reside in Turkey. (WM)