New govt. after presidential system: Turkish PM
Turkey’s prime minister says his government plans to adopt a new constitution, emphasizing that the newly established administration is in favor of a presidential system.
Ahmet Davutoglu made the announcement in an address to the parliament in Ankara on Wednesday and said his government seeks to introduce a charter 'that upholds freedoms.'
The move is believed to give President Recep Tayyip Erdogan sweeping powers.
A presidential system would lead to a more “efficient and dynamic” rule, the prime minister added while reading from the program of the new government, which was installed on Tuesday.
Earlier in November, Ibrahim Kalin, Erdogan’s spokesman, said the Ankara government might hold a national referendum, if necessary, on possible changes to the constitution aimed at expanding presidential powers.
He said the president believes such amendments can make Turkey “jump up a league.”
Turkey’s ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP), founded by Erdogan, won a resounding victory in the November 1 snap elections and regained its parliamentary majority, securing 317 out of 550 seats in the legislature.
In his first speech following the AKP’s victory, Erdogan renewed the bid that many analysts believe is aimed at consolidating his grip on power, calling on the parliament to address the issue of constitutional changes as a priority.
“Solving the issue of a new constitution was one of the most important messages of November 1,” the Turkish president said during a televised address to the nation.
Fears of authoritarian rule
Political opponents to President Erdogan fear that granting sweeping powers to the president could put too much power in the hands of Erdogan, a leader they already consider too authoritarian.
Opponents and human rights groups accuse Erdogan of trying to stifle opposition media critical of the president or government policies.
Iraq won’t tolerate violation of its sovereignty, PM tells Erdogan
New Freedom Flotilla to set sail for Gaza in defiance of Israel's naval blockade
Hamas chief meets Erdogan as Turkey tries to mediate in Gaza war
Iran, Russia sign MoU to strengthen security cooperation
VIDEO | Iran marks defeat of US military operation in Tabas Desert
VIDEO | Press TV's news headlines
US troopers crack down on pro-Palestinian protests at University of Texas
VIDEO | German warship departs Red Sea as EU 'naval mission' fails
VIDEO | Palestinians inspect rubble of destroyed building in Rafah
Yemeni forces strike US, Israeli vessels in fresh pro-Palestinian operations
‘Say no to Biden’: US college being pressed not to endorse genocide
This makes it easy to access the Press TV website
