Turkish PM Erdogan calls protests undemocratic
Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan says he cannot yield to the demands of protesters because of his responsibility toward half of Turkey's electorate who voted for him.
Ruler cites duty to voters who have supported him during 10 years in office
Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan says he cannot yield to protesters' demands because of his responsibility toward half of Turkey's electorate who voted for him.
In comments to journalists, Erdogan called week-long protests undemocratic and an attempt by a "minority" group to "dominate" over his majority.
Erdogan said: "If we were to remain indifferent in the face of such a thing, the 50 per cent who voted for [the ruling party] would tomorrow ask me why."
His words were published in several newspapers on Friday, a day after more than 10,000 supporters greeted the prime minister at an Istanbul airport on his return from a North African tour.
Tens of thousands have held demonstrations voicing discontent with Erdogan's 10-year-rule.