Signals for a new constitution from Parliament Speaker Kurtulmuş: 'It is essential for Turkey'

Speaker of the Grand National Assembly of Turkey (TBMM) Numan Kurtulmuş spoke at an iftar program attended by editors-in-chief of media organizations.

Kurtulmuş made a statement regarding a new constitution there.

"A CONSTITUTION MADE BY CIVILIANS IS ESSENTIAL FOR TURKEY"

Stating that the Parliament has two major tasks ahead of it, Kurtulmuş noted that one of them is the necessity of drafting a new constitution and said the following:

“Immediately after the election, a process where we might achieve results more easily than the constitutional process is the implementation of a new internal regulation in Parliament. The issue of a new constitution is not about 'we are tired of this constitution, it is outdated, let's write a new text instead.' In fact, the issue is not just writing a text; beyond that, it is about Turkey ridding itself of this anti-democratic structure and spirit brought about by the September 12 era. It is essential for Turkey to have a democratic, inclusive constitution that is truly made by civilians and drafted in parliament. We will strive for this.

"PREPARING A NEW INTERNAL REGULATION IN PARLIAMENT"

Of course, immediately after the election, a process where we might achieve results more easily than the constitutional process is the preparation of a new internal regulation in Parliament. As the Speaker of the Parliament, we are considering putting on the agenda—by consulting with the parties that have groups in Parliament—an internal regulation that will raise democratic standards in Parliament, strengthen legislative quality, and increase the influence and weight of the Parliament, starting with the internal regulation as it is a more comfortable and easier area, while simultaneously continuing constitutional efforts.”

"THE ELECTION CAMPAIGN IS CONTINUING IN A COURTEOUS AND MATURE MANNER"

Reminding that local elections will take place this weekend, Kurtulmuş said, “The election campaign has been continuing in a courteous and mature manner so far. We hope it continues like this until the end. We hope to leave the local elections behind on election day with great democratic maturity and very high participation.”

Stating that there are six political party groups and 14 political parties in Parliament, Kurtulmuş noted that 95 percent of those who voted are represented in the parliament.

"PREPARATIONS BY ALL POLITICAL PARTIES REGARDING THE NEW CONSTITUTION..."

Kurtulmuş said, “If we succeed in continuing these negotiations well in Parliament, I hope we can achieve results. I, personally, will follow the issue of a new constitution in the period after the election by consulting primarily with the political parties that have groups. Some political parties have constitutional preparations, but I expect all political parties to make preparations regarding a new constitution during this process.

"FEELING THE NEED FOR A NEW CONSTITUTION"

As the Speaker of the Parliament, we will initiate a constitution-making process with democratic sensitivity where the academy, legal circles, non-governmental organizations, and everyone who feels the need for a new constitution and has something to say will be heard and their input utilized. I hope that the parties with groups in Parliament and other civil society segments that will form public opinion will contribute to this process without prejudice,” he said.

"THE RIGHT GROUND IS THE TBMM"

Expressing that there is a text from past studies on which parties reached a consensus on 64 articles, Kurtulmuş said, “Today, I estimate that it is possible for parties to reach a consensus on many more articles. What is essential here is that this discussion is carried out on the right ground and with the right methods. The right ground is the Grand National Assembly of Turkey. It is to discuss whatever the people's needs are and whatever issues come to the agenda under the initiative of the TBMM, without prejudice,” he stated.

Expressing that constitutional preparation might take some time, Kurtulmuş conveyed his belief that constitutional discussions could be held in parliament when the assembly begins its new legislative term.