Important messages from Parliament Speaker Kurtulmuş regarding the new legislative year: 'Turkey has a very great advantage'

Parliament Speaker Kurtulmuş met with members of the press at the 28th Term 1st and 2nd Legislative Year Evaluation Meeting. At the opening of the meeting, Kurtulmuş said that instead of printed copies, cards with QR codes would be distributed to members of the press to allow them to access the 28th Term 1st and 2nd Legislative Year Activity Report.

Kurtulmuş provided information that 2,442 legislative proposals were submitted to the Parliament Speaker's Office by deputies and 4 by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan during the 28th Legislative Term, and that there are 76 legislative proposals on the General Assembly agenda and 2,253 in committees.

Explaining that 73 laws were passed, 54 Parliamentary Decisions were taken, 468 sessions were held in the General Assembly and committees, a total of 1,512 hours and 49 minutes of meetings were conducted, and 55,459 pages of minutes were recorded during the 28th Legislative Term, Kurtulmuş emphasized that when compared to many parliaments, the Turkish Grand National Assembly (TBMM) is a parliament where self-sacrificing work is carried out.

Pointing out that some countries' parliaments meet 1-2 times a month, while others meet once a week, Kurtulmuş said that the TBMM meets routinely 3 days a week and carries out its legislative and oversight activities with a command of its agenda.

"THE SELF-SACRIFICING WORK OF THE TBMM IS OVERSHADOWED"

Stating that when viewed in general, a decent and self-sacrificing working environment has been established, Kurtulmuş said, "But unfortunately, from time to time, this self-sacrificing work of the TBMM is overshadowed by rude words, hurtful words that ignore the other side and insult the other side, and the image of debates that reach the point of fighting."

Kurtulmuş underlined that these images do not suit the TBMM and invited the deputies to act more sensitively in this regard. Kurtulmuş said that he would also raise this issue during his visits to party groups.

Parliament Speaker Kurtulmuş announced that 16,527 written parliamentary questions were submitted, 9,569 of which were answered, and noted that 77 of the 84 written parliamentary questions submitted to him as Parliament Speaker were answered.

On the other hand, explaining that 45 general debates and 1,809 parliamentary research motions were submitted, Kurtulmuş stated that the Research Commission on Problems Experienced in the Fisheries and Aquaculture Sector and the Research Commission on the Erzincan İliç Mine Accident had completed their activities, and that both commissions were about to complete their reports.

STATEMENTS REGARDING NEW CONSTITUTION EFFORTS

"New constitution efforts are also one of the important tasks that will come to the agenda of the TBMM," said Kurtulmuş, expressing that the time has come to get rid of the September 12 Constitution, and in this context, it is possible for the constitution to be discussed under the roof of the Parliament within legal frameworks as discussions mature in terms of both method and content at the end of processes where the views of all segments of society are expressed.

Parliament Speaker Kurtulmuş said, "It is mandatory to carry out a constitutional study that is civil, democratic, participatory, fully adopts the principle of separation of powers, is suitable for Turkey's realities, and will meet the needs of our nation."

Recalling his contacts with all political parties regarding this issue in the past legislative year, Kurtulmuş said, "Under the conditions of that day, no political party categorically closed the door. Before starting the meetings, I examined the party texts of all political parties represented in Parliament, whether they have a group or not. In all of them, the term 'new constitution' or the demand for 'a radical change in the constitution' is included."

Pointing out that all political parties in Parliament express this necessity either in their party programs or election manifestos, Kurtulmuş said, "I will also strive to fulfill my responsibility to keep this ground open in a way suitable for discussion within a democratic style and to realize these negotiations from now on."

"ONE OF THE MOST VITAL ISSUES"

Parliament Speaker Kurtulmuş continued his speech as follows:

"We have not been involved in any discussion regarding the content of the Constitution so far; we have only focused on the method, on the need to make a participatory and inclusive constitution that covers all of Turkey, in which all parties participate. In this context, I would like to state that almost all of our parties represented in the parliament in Turkey have no claims, proposals, or problems regarding the first 4 articles, and therefore any discussion to be held about the first 4 articles will only lead to unnecessary tensions and loss of time. Making constitutional discussions on a transparent ground is probably one of the most vital issues."

Noting that they consider themselves obligated as the TBMM to conduct a period in the coming term where the views of all segments, including universities, the legal community, and non-governmental organizations, will be taken and discussions will be matured, Kurtulmuş said, "We listen to all views except the view that 'the TBMM cannot make a constitution.' The TBMM has both the authority and the power to make a constitution. Those who say 'the TBMM does not have such authority' are the segments that have not internalized democracy."

Emphasizing that there is a need for a "nation's contract" that can be accepted as the constitution of the whole society, not just one or a few parties in Turkey, Kurtulmuş wished for a well-intentioned approach from all political parties in these efforts.

A NEW INTERNAL REGULATION STUDY

Kurtulmuş evaluated, "The idea that 'the Parliament Speaker has a draft constitution in his hands and is imposing this draft on other parties' is a completely false idea. The Parliament Speaker does not even have a single article in his hands that has been discussed. We only hold ourselves responsible for managing this process in a transparent and open manner and are trying to make an effort in this regard."

Stating that another issue they consider important within the legislative activities of the parliament is the introduction of a new Internal Regulation study to the TBMM agenda, Kurtulmuş said that the issue of making a more democratic Parliament Internal Regulation that will increase the power of parliamentary diplomacy and make the working order of the parliament healthier with the consensus of the parties will come to the agenda again.

PARLIAMENTARY DIPLOMACY

Noting that a parliamentary diplomacy traffic in accordance with Turkey's entrepreneurial, multi-dimensional, and humanitarian foreign policy rules was carried out in the 1st and 2nd Legislative Years of the 28th Legislative Term of the TBMM, Kurtulmuş announced that 177 inter-delegation meetings/receptions were held within the scope of Foreign Relations Activities of International Parliamentary Assemblies, 156 within the scope of Foreign Relations Activities of Specialized Commissions, and a total of 57 within the scope of Foreign Relations of Inter-Parliamentary Friendship Groups.

Kurtulmuş stated that he paid official visits to 12 countries as the Parliament Speaker, and that the last of these visits was his visit to the Russian Federation.

Stating that the Russia visit went even more positively than they expected, Kurtulmuş said that he had the opportunity to address Russian senators and share Turkey's perspective on regional and global problems within the scope of this visit.

Kurtulmuş underlined that the meetings he held within the scope of this visit, especially with Russian President Vladimir Putin, were activities carried out at the highest level to protect Turkey's interests.

"TURKEY HAS A VERY GREAT ADVANTAGE"

Expressing that the rapid withdrawal of the USA from Afghanistan was the beginning of a new page in world politics, Kurtulmuş stated that from now on, no country has the power to rule the world alone.

Noting that the most fundamental feature of the world system from now on will be multilateralism, Kurtulmuş said, "Turkey has a very great advantage in terms of the opportunities and potentials it possesses in the establishment of this new multilateral world. While our President continues his multi-dimensional efforts and relations in the USA, the fact that we, as the TBMM parliamentary delegation, are involved in a very comprehensive work in Russia that can touch almost all different sides is, in essence, an important coincidence that shows Turkey's potential and opportunity in a multipolar world."

Stating that it is also important in terms of reflecting the polyphony in the parliament, Kurtulmuş said, "I thank our friends once again. As in all our external contacts, our Russia contact has shown that no matter how much political difference we have inside, we are pursuing our national interests in a single voice outside in an extraordinarily harmonious way."

Announcing that he attended 9 international meetings as Parliament Speaker, Kurtulmuş said that he participated in a total of 6 international conferences, two of which were online.

Kurtulmuş reported that he held a total of 161 bilateral meetings as Parliament Speaker, 12 of which were with Presidents and Heads of State and 59 with Parliament and Senate Speakers.

REPRESENTATION, PROMOTION, AND ORGANIZATIONS

Kurtulmuş also provided information about representation, promotion, and organizations.

Saying that they have experienced some important developments regarding the TBMM Television, Kurtulmuş said, "We have an intention to make Parliament TV a democracy platform, to ensure that different views are expressed here, and to make it a television channel that is actively watched outside of parliamentary sessions."

Kurtulmuş stated that they would strengthen Parliament TV by conducting interviews with our deputies serving in the 28th Term.

Reminding that events were organized sensitively against the genocide experienced by the people of Gaza, Kurtulmuş said, "The issue that will be the summit in terms of Gaza diplomacy is the historic speech made by Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas when he came to the Grand National Assembly of Turkey on August 15. That historic speech is important both for the TBMM and for the Palestinian state and the Palestinian cause."

Kurtulmuş announced that they have postponed the construction of the new library and exhibition building, for which they have finished the project phase, within the scope of austerity measures.

Explaining that a step that will set an example in worker recruitment has been taken and that worker recruitment is carried out by drawing lots in the presence of a notary, Kurtulmuş said that 125 workers have been hired with permanent worker status to date.

Stating that charging stations have been installed to encourage the use of electric vehicles, Kurtulmuş said that old vehicles have been removed from the inventory and that they have 20 electric vehicles with the service of 19 TOGG brand vehicles.

Kurtulmuş stated that steps have been taken regarding the guesthouse in Florya, which has been continuing for many years, and that the strengthening works of the restaurant buildings related to the first and second guesthouses have been completed, and will be completed at the beginning of the summer period of 2025.

Touching on the subject of "digital parliament," Kurtulmuş said, "We do not need to publish the minutes page by page. All of these can be stored digitally. The Deputy Information System Project, Health Information System Project, Minutes Information System Project, Laws and Decisions Information System Project, and Commissions Information System Project have been put into practice."

Stating that 25 million pages of documents were archived in the 28th Legislative Term with the Archive Automation System, Kurtulmuş said that all documents in the TBMM archives were classified and updated and taken into the system.

Underlining that efforts are also being carried out on cybersecurity, Kurtulmuş said, "Our receiving the first prize with the paperless parliament project in the Turkey informatics awards program in our work within the scope of digital parliament encourages our parliament and our employees."

ISRAEL'S ATTACKS

Parliament Speaker Numan Kurtulmuş said, "It is obvious that one of the ultimate goals of the promised lands from the Nile to the Euphrates is Turkey, as Israel immediately started attacking Lebanon and then revealed that it was targeting Syria. It is enough not to be naive to know this."

Kurtulmuş also answered journalists' questions at the 28th Term 1st and 2nd Legislative Year Evaluation Meeting he held in the Parliament Ceremony Hall.

In response to a question regarding the content of the new constitution, Kurtulmuş stated that as a person who has been in politics for years, he has made numerous speeches about the constitution, but as the Parliament Speaker, he avoids expressing his personal opinions on this matter in particular; that what is important at the moment is the preparation of an environment where everyone can speak openly, and that he will express his own opinions as the issues emerge.

Reminding that the last constitutional amendment was made in 2017, Kurtulmuş evaluated, "The spirit of the coup constitution is still there. I am talking about a constitution where sovereignty belongs entirely to the nation, this is not shared with any institution or organization, and everyone does what is required within the framework of their authority and responsibilities. When you look at the articles on rights and freedoms, it is a constitution that, while each one seems to be expanding freedoms, goes to restriction by saying 'but, however' after counting any freedom. If it only happens through the language it uses, what this means will be seen very clearly."

Regarding a question about his visit to Russia at the same time as President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan's visit to the USA, Kurtulmuş said that it was a coincidence that the two visits were planned to coincide with the same period.

Explaining that the world is moving towards a multipolar world and a new era is emerging; regional and global collaborations, some new power balances, and power equations will emerge, Kurtulmuş said, "Even this shows that while our President is meeting with people from different countries of the world there with great leadership and sharing Turkey's views with the world public at the UN meeting, our holding such high-level meetings in Russia as the TBMM delegation and receiving such a warm welcome is an important indicator showing Turkey's power. I see this as an important indicator of how Turkey's power and Turkey's potential power in the world are understood. If we fulfill the requirements, I believe this process will open new doors for Turkey."

Upon the question "Is Turkey considering taking a more active stance on stopping Israeli aggression?", Kurtulmuş noted that Turkey's number one item in all international meetings is Gaza; and that efforts are being made on stopping Israel's attacks, delivering humanitarian aid to the region, and ensuring peace.

Saying, "We are fighting for this in every international platform, but this aggressive policy of Israel must be well understood," Kurtulmuş continued his words as follows:

"Actually, Israel's occupation of Gaza is the third act of this business. The first act of the business was the British leaving the region in 1917. The second act of the business was the occupation of Iraq in the 1990s. Step by step, we have experienced a process in which all forces that could be vigilant against Israel in the region were eliminated. You see the attitude coming from the USA after the killing of Nasrallah. They are saying words that almost mean 'We encourage, we approve.' Israel, having found the regional countries so scattered, having become initiative-less in solving their problems within themselves, and with the USA and the West leaning on this geography with their physical presence, says 'Let me take the last step, that is, let me establish the great Israel from the Nile to the Euphrates.' What we have been saying since the first day of the Gaza issue is this; do not think that Israel's concern is Gaza, Palestine. Israel is doing the same thing in the West Bank as its massacres in Gaza. But it is obvious that one of the ultimate goals of the promised lands from the Nile to the Euphrates is Turkey, as Israel immediately started attacking Lebanon and then revealed that it was targeting Syria. It is enough not to be naive to know this."

"TURKEY'S ONLY AXIS IS ITS OWN NATIONAL AXIS"

Upon a question about what kind of impression he got regarding the membership application to the economic cooperation group BRICS within the scope of his Russia contacts, Parliament Speaker Kurtulmuş said that Turkey's membership to BRICS came to the agenda in all of his contacts; and that he observed that they also look positively at Turkey being in such a platform in these contacts.

Pointing out that BRICS is a platform with development potential, Kurtulmuş said, "We will also see in time how this will develop, how it will proceed. Turkey is a country that maintains its relations with more than one place at the same time as a requirement of its multilateral diplomacy. Turkey is not a country that will fall into the parallel or satellite of the east, the west, the north, or the south. It is not a country that will change its axis by saying 'Turkey is turning there, it is also striving for membership there.' Turkey has one axis, and that is its own national axis. Turkey is trying to reinforce this national axis with its multilateral foreign policy. We will see, the BRICS issue is still at the very beginning, an initiative that is in the maturation stage. Turkey is expressing its statement, attitude, and intention on this matter."

Upon a question about whether a new constitution can be made in this period, Kurtulmuş said that making a constitution is a matter of arithmetic, and that he thinks there could be a consensus if the parties' proposals are discussed well, and this is continued in a transparent, open, understandable, and unbiased manner. Kurtulmuş said, "This Parliament can do this, it must. In a period when we are struggling with such great global and regional problems, Turkey has a need to make a democratic, inclusive, and covering constitution for the second century of our Republic, for the new century of Turkey. But in the end, it is our deputy friends in the parliament who will decide. It is the responsibility of all political parties, not one or two parties. I think results can be achieved if it is discussed with good intentions."

Numan Kurtulmuş gave the following response to a question regarding the condolence message he shared on his social media account after Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah was killed in an Israeli attack:

"This is my own initiative. Everyone should see this in the face of this attitude of Israel; Israel does not distinguish by saying 'This is Palestinian, Arab, Persian, Turk, Sunni, Shia, Christian, Druze.' Israel is waging a war against all the peoples of the region, it is acting as if it were a terrorist organization, not with state manners, it does not recognize the sovereignty of countries. This is unacceptable. In such an environment, whoever gets into a fight of Sunnism-Shiism, Arabism-Persianism, Islam-Christianity in the face of Israel's attacks grinds Israel's axe. It is necessary to focus on how all the peoples of the region can act together by putting aside their own political identities, ethnic affiliations, and sectarian orientations regarding how they will stop this aggression, and how the peoples of the world can be partners in this business."