Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan addressed supporters in Ankara after his victory in the presidential elections on Sunday, saying that the winners were all 85 million Turkish citizens. Erdogan prevailed by winning more than 52% of the vote in Sunday's presidential runoff, which came two weeks after he fell short of scoring an outright victory in the first round. But a majority of Turkish voters in the second round chose him over challenger Kemal Kilicdaroglu, showing their support for a man who they see as a strong, proven leader. In two speeches — one in Istanbul and one in Ankara — Erdogan thanked the nation for entrusting him with the presidency for five more years. “The only winner today is Turkey,” Erdogan said to hundreds of thousands gathered outside the presidential palace in Ankara, promising to work hard for Turkey's second century, which he calls the “Turkish century.” The country marks its centennial this year. Kilicdaroglu campaigned on promises to reverse Erdogan’s democratic backsliding, to restore the economy by reverting to more conventional policies and to improve ties with the West. He said the election was “the most unjust ever,” with all state resources mobilized for Erdogan." Supreme challenges lie ahead, starting with the economy that has taken a beating from what critics view as Erdogan’s unorthodox policies. “The interest rate has been reduced to 8.5 at the moment and you will see that inflation will also decrease”, he told his jubilant supporters in Ankara. He must also tend to massive rebuilding efforts in 11 provinces hit by the February 6 earthquake that leveled entire cities. “Healing the wounds of the February 6 earthquakes, restoring our destroyed cities, and connecting our people to life will continue to be at the top of our priorities”, he said. Supporters of Erdogan, a divisive populist and masterful orator, took to the streets to celebrate, waving Turkish or ruling party flags, honking car horns and chanting his name. Celebratory gunfire was heard in several Istanbul neighborhoods. His term is certain to include more delicate maneuvering with fellow NATO members over the future of the alliance and the war in Ukraine.