Minister of Transport, Maritime Affairs and Communications Binali Yıldırım took over the office from Feridun Bilgin.
Yıldırım: “Politics is a long-term mission, on this journey sometimes a break is needed, we gave our break, but now here we are once again”.
Bilgin: While making a constitutional amendment (resignations of three ministers during the election period) I believe, this issue will be addressed first.
Deputy Prime Minister Lütfi Elvan, who attended the handover ceremony at the ministry, declared by recalling that he took over the office from Yıldırım because of the election, "We tried to continue our work by staying on the path that he had gone on.
Elvan, who indicated that it was a pleasant sight to see 3 ministers who have served in this seat all together. He wished Binali Yıldırım success in his duty/mission.
Elvan, who emphasizes that he will continue to put his signature on Turkey’s mega projects, expressed that "In the Nov 1st elections, our nation used their will in favor of peace, stability, democracy and mega projects. In this new phase in which the election uninterruptedly will not happen for 4 years, Turkey will continue to grow and to become stronger”.
“We took over the flag again in the relay race”
When Yıldırım arrived at the ministry, he was greeted by his grandchildren. He stated that he took over the flag once again in the relay race. He added that politics is a long-term mission, like a journey in which sometimes a break is needed, so I, myself had to give a break, however, "here I am" once again. Yıldırım explained that after sweating some 11 years in construction sights, he also had to sweat it out in pre-election campaigns prior the 1st November in order to come to these day. As a private soldier of AK party and a servant to the nation, from the first day on, I have been living the happiness of working hard for every kind of endeavours which have pleased our county and its people.
Yıldırım indicated that AK party, which came to these days by the trust received from the nation, continues its duty and has put its signature onto many modernization projects in regards to the transportation and communication fields.
Binali Yıldırım also thanked President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoğlu who trusted him and granted him the duty.
Yıldırım assessed that the predictions in politics do not always come true and in the history of the ministry the average serving period was 8 months.
However, Feridun Bilgin passed the average by serving 8.5 months. As you can see the ministry of Transport is not only making ways, but it also trains ministers as well.
He pointed out that with the new constitution which will be reformed as soon as possible, considering some implementations on the resigning of Interior, Justice and Transport ministries in the election periods it is possible to obtain the stability in administration.
He also celebrated Teachers' day and showed gratitude to his teacher wife Semiha Yıldırım who made the biggest sacrifice during his time in office, and to his children and grandchildren for the tolerance that they showed, though he could not spare enough time for them.
Yıldırım indicated that Turkey has many substantial projects and jobs ahead of itself. He said that if the nation has supported us and stood behind us like a mountain, duty for us is just a minor detail. The important thing is the trust, prayers and the support of our people. With the power that we have received we shall take on every challenge. We don’t want terror to be spoken of in our country, so we will place terror at the bottom of Turkey’s agenda. We will tackle unemployment full force and we will do this through great projects. Therefore we will work together with heart and soul to carry Turkey the level of modern civilizations in which the great Atatürk pointed out to us.
"I am enjoying the inner comfort and happiness of transferring the duty to Binali Yıldırım"
Feridun Bilgin, who had taken over duties about 8.5 months ago from Lütfi Elvan said that he is enjoying the inner comfort and happiness of transferring the duty to Binali Yıldırım.
Bilgin also pointed out that during his time in office the country had been going through both difficult internal and external periods. Two general elections were held and during both periods the task was committed to him, therefore he thanked President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoğlu and showed his gratitude and respect.
Bilgin also remarked that the ministry has many important future investment projects of which are in the design stage at the moment.
Bilgin also mentioned the situation regarding the handing over of duty to three ministers during the election period. He said that it doesn’t fit well into Turkish democracy, therefore in our country where the new constitutional amendment is on our very agenda, I think some effective measures will be taken first to address this issue. Since, in my opinion it is unnecessary, because Turkish democracy and politics do not deserve such implementations.
And after his speech he conveyed his post to Yıldırım.