Turkey Government Wins Vote of Confidence

The government of Turkish Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu won a vote of confidence in parliament on Saturday, little over a week after the former chief diplomat was crowned to take over from long-time premier Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

Turkey's ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) last week approved Davutoglu as successor to Erdogan, who has ruled Turkey as premier for over a decade with Islamic-tinted and development-focused policies and who was sworn in as president on Thursday.

Davutoglu's government got 306 votes in favor and 133 against in Saturday's confidence vote.

"With the support we received, we promise before our esteemed parliament and people to work day and night," Davutoglu told the parliament.

He said his government was keen on realizing 2023 targets to build a "new Turkey" based on a new constitution, peace with Kurds and a booming economy.

Davutoglu, the former foreign minister, had reaffirmed ambitious goals to make Turkey a top 10 global economy and member of the EU by 2023 as he presented the program of his new government on September 1.

Erdogan -- who has ruled Turkey as premier for over a decade with Islamic-tinted and development-focused policies -- was sworn in as president on Thursday after his victory in the August 10 election.