The bill that can keep Erdogan in power until 2029
Turkey edged closer to adopting a constitutional bill extending President Tayyip Erdogan’s powers overnight
Turkey edged closer to adopting a constitutional bill extending President Tayyip Erdogan’s powers, with parliament approving four more articles of a reform which opponents see as a step towards an authoritarian state.
Erdogan, who could rule the country until 2029 if the legislation is passed, says it will provide stability at a time of turmoil and prevent a return to the fragile coalitions of the past.
During the evening debate an independent lawmaker, Aylin Nazliaka, handcuffed herself to the podium in protest against the stronger presidency, triggering a scuffle between MPs of the ruling AK Party and opposition parties.
The reform would enable the president to issue decrees, declare emergency rule, appoint ministers and top state officials and dissolve parliament – powers that the two main opposition parties say strip away balances to Erdogan’s power.
Also read: Turkish parliament moves country toward presidential system
With the adoption of the latest four articles overnight, the assembly has now approved 11 articles in the second round of voting. It is on track to pass the remaining seven articles and vote on the package as a whole on Friday night. Providing it garners the support of at least 330 deputies in the 550-member assembly in the remaining votes, the legislation will go to a referendum, expected in the spring.
Erdogan assumed the presidency, a largely ceremonial position, in 2014 after over a decade as prime minister. Since then, pushing his powers to the limit, he has continued to dominate politics by dint of his personal popularity.
Critics accuse him of increasing authoritarianism with the arrests and dismissal of tens of thousands of judges, police, military officers, journalists and academics since a failed military coup in July. Erdogan points to a danger from ISIS and Kurdish militants.
-
Erdogan sees better ties with US under Trump
Ties between the US and Turkey have deteriorated sharply since a failed military coup in July World News -
Turkey to naturalize Syrian, Iraqi migrants: Erdogan
Turkey is hosting more than three million Syrians and Iraqis that fled war Middle East -
Erdogan: Syria’s al-Bab offensive to end soon
A Turkish-backed offensive by Syrian rebels to take the Syrian town of al-Bab from ISIS should be finished soon Middle East -
Erdogan: Istanbul attack aims to create chaos
At least 15 foreign nationals confirmed dead as Turkish interior minister says gunman is still on loose Middle East