Numan Kurtulmuş makes statement on early elections

Speaker of the Grand National Assembly of Türkiye (TBMM) Numan Kurtulmuş met with journalists at a breakfast program to share his assessments on the current agenda. Sharing his views on a wide range of topics from domestic politics to foreign policy, Kurtulmuş particularly highlighted discussions on early elections, efforts for a new constitution, and regional developments.

"THERE ARE NO CONDITIONS FOR AN EARLY ELECTION"

Responding to the early election call by Republican People's Party (CHP) Chairman Özgür Özel during the breakfast, Kurtulmuş stated, "There are no conditions for an early election," indicating that these discussions are not on the agenda for the time being.

EMPHASIS ON JOINT EFFORTS FOR A NEW CONSTITUTION

Touching upon the need for a new constitution, Kurtulmuş expressed that there is a general expectation in society regarding this issue. Emphasizing that political parties should clearly present their ideas during the constitutional process, the Parliament Speaker stated that discussions regarding the first four articles of the constitution are an unnecessary waste of time.

According to Ekol TV's report, Kurtulmuş highlighted four main headings within the scope of the new constitution efforts:

• Authority and oversight mechanisms,
• Judicial independence and judicial guarantees,
• The powers and responsibilities of the Parliament,
• Protection of rights and freedoms.

Addressing global developments, Kurtulmuş stated that the current situation in the Middle East could be evaluated as the second phase of the Sykes-Picot Agreement. Expressing that this process directly targets Türkiye, Kurtulmuş stated that one must be cautious against neo-imperial policies.

Stating that scenarios threatening Türkiye's regional security are in effect, Kurtulmuş emphasized that national unity and political solidarity are of great importance in this context.

"THE FIRST SOLUTION PROCESS PROVIDED AN ADVANTAGE TO TÜRKİYE"

In his assessments regarding domestic politics, Kurtulmuş also touched upon the past solution process, stating that the first solution process offered significant advantages to Türkiye. However, he noted that elements sabotaging the process were active at that time, and specifically mentioned that FETÖ undermined the process. Expressing that the current conjuncture is more favorable for Türkiye, Kurtulmuş hinted that new approaches could come to the agenda.

THE US PREFERENCE AND TÜRKİYE'S STRATEGIC IMPORTANCE

Stating that the future political preferences of the US also hold an important place on the agenda, Kurtulmuş said that the Washington administration is at a critical decision-making stage. "America will make a decision today. Will it prefer 40-50 militants, or a Türkiye of 85 million?" he asked, drawing attention to Türkiye's strategic importance on a global scale.

FIRE TRAGEDY IN BOLU: "THIS MUST BE A GREAT LESSON"

Speaking about the hotel fire that occurred in Bolu Kartalkaya, Kurtulmuş said, "I do not think there is a deficiency stemming from regulations or laws in the hotel fire. Our fundamental issue in Türkiye is not complying with existing regulations." Reminding that 78 citizens lost their lives in the fire, the Parliament Speaker stated, "I hope this will be a great lesson. If this is not going to be a lesson, what will be?"

"THE STREET IS NOT THE PATH TO A SOLUTION"

Kurtulmuş also criticized calls for street protests. "I find calls for street protests to be wrong. The place to correct judicial decisions is through judicial channels. In a democracy, the street is not the path to a solution," he said, emphasizing the rule of law.