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.”

A protest of 500 people that started on May 27 in an effort to save a dozen trees at Gezi Park, Taksim Square, Istanbul, came to this. The people are surely not only protesting to save one of the few remaining green areas in downtown Istanbul any longer, but protesting Erdogan’s growing authoritarian instincts in governing the country. As has always been the case in the past decade, Erdogan remains defiant in face of criticism and avoids a middle road. Otherwise he could have easily understood that these protesting crowds are also furious about the opposition’s failure and their inability to come up with a real contender to challenge Erdogan at the ballot box. 

As he strongly believes the people should express their grievances to an elected government only on election day, he said, “Instead of gathering at Gezi Park or Kugulu Park, I am telling you to be patient for another seven months. We will settle our score with you in seven months at the ballot box.” Turkey will go to local elections then.