https://www.middleeastmonitor.com Fethullah Gulen and CHP co-plotted a coup in Turkey, says Erdogan Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan accused Fethullah Gulen, the US based leader of a Turkish socio-religious movement, of plotting the December 17 "conspiracy" and fabricating phone conversations aiming to smear the ruling party. Erdogan delivered the remarks during a speech before his supporters in Denizli city on Saturday. Erdogan added that "the December 17 coup d'état would have gained the support of the CHP, which planned to undertake tasks that would destabilise Turkey." "Those hatching conspiracies - the parallel entity - will fail because they didn't hatch them skilfully," Erdogan told supporters. He noted that all schools established by the Gulen movement saw the light thanks to his government. Erdogan challenged Gulen to return to Turkey and lead a political party if he wishes to have a political role. "We never bowed in front of these blows and will never do," he said. "We will continue our path towards development, justice, peace, brotherhood, and welfare." Erdogan pointed out that his government aims at reaching $2 trillion national income by 2023, and for per capita income to reach $25,000, and for exports to reach $500 billion. The government is moving confidently towards its goal to become among the 10 most powerful countries in the world, Erdogan said, adding that the "parallel entity" aimed at "destroying Turkish institutions and national values", but that "their conspiracy backfired."
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