It was a shocking speech — as if Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan had declared a war against a segment of his own people, although he often claims to represent 100% of the nation.
“We’ve been patient for far too long,” Erdogan said on Sunday, June 9, upon his arrival in Ankara's Esenboga international airport, addressing thousands who came to support his reaction to continuing protests against his politics. “I’m saying the same thing to all those – one bank, two banks or three banks, whoever is making up that [interest] lobby. As you started this confrontation, you will pay dearly. Those who without shame join efforts to crash the stock market; Tayyip Erdogan does not have money there, if it crashes, you will lose. The moment we catch you doing speculation [in an attempt to crash the stock market], we will strangle you.”