President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s mood and rhetoric often take on a different tone when he visits his hometown of Rize, a Black Sea city known for its distinct culture and character.
On Friday, Erdoğan appeared particularly upbeat as he was greeted by a large crowd at a rally marking the opening of completed investments and projects in the northeastern province.
Before delivering a lengthy speech highlighting new investments and completed projects across Rize, Erdoğan emphasized national unity, referring to the “ring of fire” he has increasingly used to describe the turbulent geopolitical environment surrounding the country – from the war involving Iran and Israel’s increasingly aggressive actions in the region to instability and the presence of terrorist groups.
“On my agenda is protecting our country from the ring of fire, crises and conflicts surrounding it, and properly fulfilling the responsibility you have entrusted to us,” Erdoğan said.
He also criticized opposition parties, accusing them of seeking confrontation with the government and becoming embroiled in internal disputes.
