Erdogan: I will not re -nominate – the country needs a new constitution

Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said he was not interested in putting the country’s presidency again. However, he argued that Turkey needs a new constitution and called on the opposition to work with its pension.

« I have no intention of re -election or re -nomination for president, » Erdogan said.

« I’m only interested in improving our country’s reputation. Turkey is changing, people are changing. We live in a new era. Do you think we can achieve something in such a rapidly changing world with a constitution created during a coup, in old Turkey that still maintains a coup mentality? Turkey can no longer proceed with a constitution written in a coup. « 

Turkey, Recep Tayyip Erdogan added, « needs a constitution written by citizens. »

Call for cooperation with opposition

The Turkish president also called on the opposition parties, with which he has fiercely clashed, to work together to train the new Constitution. He said that the Justice and Development Party is writing the new Constitution.

« Let us form committees and create a political constitution together as soon as possible to present it to our people. There is no reason not to do this, « Erdogan said. He added that the ruling party could quickly form committees to work on the new basic law.

Recep Tayyip Erdogan made these statements at a time when everyone was afraid of seeking a third term. Turkey’s current constitution, which was amended by itself in 2017, after the failed coup attempt, does not allow it. And their critics estimate that perhaps this proposal for a constitutional change conceals its intention to change this provision, which allows only two terms.

Do not help numbers

Also, the ruling Justice and Development Party does not have sufficient seats in the Turkish parliament to pass the change of the Constitution alone, nor even with the votes of its ally, far -right Devlet Bachseli. The new Constitution is approved and then put into a referendum, Erdogan needs the votes of at least 30 opposition MPs.

Erdogan, who during his term of office suppresses every opposition voice, with persecution against his political opponents, has been in Turkey’s central policy for almost 30 years. He has served as prime minister and president of the country. In the past he had also served as mayor of Constantinople, a term that prompted him to take over the highest posts. His current presidential term expires in 2028.

There is no need for early elections, he says

The Turkish president, when asked about it, said that no early elections would be held in Turkey. This request is constantly made by opposition parties. Erdogan said that « there is no need » either for premature or intermediate parliamentary elections. « If we look at the current situation in Parliament, there are no circumstances where they require intermediate elections. Two years ago, the country elected its representatives to parliament for a five -year term, « he said.

Of course, after Imamoglou’s imprisonment and large demonstrations, it is likely to be afraid that an early electoral process can weaken another in parliament.

What will happen to the Kurds

One issue that arises, above all, is Erdogan will allow more freedoms to the Kurds. The Kurds are the largest minority in Turkey and, after the Ocalan decision to dismantle the PKK and deliver the weapons, they push for reforms.

The PKK, which has been described as a « terrorist organization », says it will deposit its weapons but wants changes to the Constitution. Its purpose is to be able to become the basis of a political party with free action in Turkey. But this request has sparked serious reactions within Turkey.