Turkey parliament to debate expanding Erdogan powers

Turkey’s parliament will next week start a fortnight of debates on a controversial new constitution aimed at expanding the powers of the presidency under Recep Tayyip Erdogan, state media said on Saturday.

The new constitution, which will replace the basic law drawn up in the wake of Turkey’s 1980 military coup, seeks to set up for the first time a formal presidential system for ruling the country.

Critics have claimed that the move is part of a power grab by Erdogan for one man rule in the wake of the July 15 failed putsch bid.

But Erdogan and the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) say the system would bring Turkey into line with countries such as France and the United States and is needed for efficient government.

The debates on the 18-article new constitution will begin in parliament on Monday after the draft was agreed by a parliamentary commission ahead of the New Year, the official Anadolu news agency said.

The two readings are expected to last a total of 13-15 days, it added.

The AKP needs more than 330 votes — a three-fifths majority — for the bill to then be submitted to a referendum for public approval.

However, November 2015 polls left the AKP short of a super majority in parliament and is relying on support of the opposition right-wing Nationalist Movement Party (MHP), the fourth largest party.

Once voted by parliament, a referendum should take place within 60 days, indicating a date in late March or early April.

Under the new constitution, the president would not have to sever links with a political party, as is the case now even though Erdogan co-founded the AKP.

It is also expected to lead to the creation of posts of vice-presidents and the abolition of the office of prime minister.

The number of MPs would be increased to 600 from 550 and the age of eligibility to become a lawmaker reduced to 18 from 25.

The draft law says the president would be elected for a five-year term and serve for a maximum of two mandates.

If Erdogan’s existing time as president is not counted in this, it means that in theory he could stay in office until 2029, with the next elections due in 2019.