Turkish president says he cannot 'bear' opposition's criticism against his former gov't

Constitutionally barred from party politics as head of state, Turkey?s president has expressed his discomfort with criticism of the government by opposition parties when he served as prime minister. 

?Twelve years ago, when we took this office, the Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Livestock was in ruin and had run out,? said President Recep Tayyip Erdo?an on May 27.

The president was speaking at a ceremony hosted at his presidential palace for the promotion of Arabian and collective openings of the Hippotherapy Center and facilities of the General Directorate of Agricultural Enterprises (T?GEM). 

?There was virtually a Turkey that was dependent on outside financial sources for everything, from A-Z. However, now, there is a Turkey settled on the 1st row in Europe and 7th row in the world,? Erdo?an said.

?From time to time, during my prime ministry, I used to see opposition parties jabbering about. One cannot, of course, bear this. Because what would they [opposition parties] come to with an understanding that does not even tolerate the progress their own country has made?? he said.

Founded in August, 2001, the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) has been in power since 2002, winning three consecutive parliamentary elections in 2002, 2007 and 2011. The next parliamentary election is scheduled to take place on June 7.

Erdo?an was elected as president in August 2014 during the country?s first-ever presidential election by popular vote.