Striking new constitution statement from AKP figure: Is there a retreat from the 'Turkish-style presidential' system? 'From start to finish...'

The new constitution efforts, which have been on Turkey's agenda for a long time, have gained momentum once again. The AKP is holding the fourth of the workshops it initiated for the new constitution today at the party headquarters in Ankara. Speaking before the workshop, AKP Deputy Chairman Hayati Yazıcı stated that the planned constitution would be "brand new from start to finish."

''NEW CONSTITUTION CANNOT BE POSTPONED"

President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan also touched upon the subject of a new constitution recently during his meeting with young people as part of the May 19 Commemoration of Atatürk, Youth and Sports Day. Erdoğan made the following statement:

It is not possible to not work on or to postpone the new constitution. As of now, work is underway for the preparation of the new constitution. We can no longer continue with the constitution of 20 years ago. A new constitution... Hopefully, we will do this together with you. By addressing our shortcomings, we will bring a new-generation constitution to our nation.

FOURTH WORKSHOP FROM THE AKP

The fourth of the workshops titled "Roadmap for the New Constitution," organized by the AKP Political and Legal Affairs Presidency, is being held today. Speaking before the workshop, Hayati Yazıcı announced that the fourth workshop is being organized with the theme of "Legislative and Executive Organs in the New Constitution."

Yazıcı said, "One of the issues that has been on the agenda of the AKP since the day it existed in Turkish political life is a new constitution. A new constitution from start to finish... While expressing this, I want to underline that we do not have a problem with the first four articles of the constitution."

Yazıcı summarized the work done to date as follows:

In the first workshop dated October 9, 2024, answers were sought with academics to the questions "Why does Turkey need a new constitution?" and "How should a participatory constitution be prepared?"

In the second workshop dated November 28, 2024, "The expectations of civil society from the new constitution" were discussed with professional organizations and confederations.

In the third workshop dated January 24, 2025, it was discussed how fundamental rights and freedoms should be included in the constitution.

LEGISLATIVE-EXECUTIVE BALANCE ON THE AGENDA

In the fourth workshop, which will start at 14:30 today, the following questions will be put on the table:

What should the form of the legislature and executive be in the designed new constitution?

How should the job descriptions of these organs be defined?

How should the balance and oversight mechanisms between the legislature and the executive be constructed?

What are the evaluations regarding the Presidential Government System, which has left its 7th year behind?

Between 12 and 15 academics were invited to the workshop. Yazıcı also stated that a few more workshops will be held after this.

"A CONSTITUTION CANNOT BE MADE BY SAYING 'VOTE FOR IT'"

Emphasizing that the new constitution should be prepared through a participatory process, Yazıcı said that the mentality of "We made a constitution, come and vote for it" will not work. He stated, "Making a constitution is the right of the nation. But until today, it has not been able to use this right. Hopefully, this time a constitution will be built with the common decision of the nation."

“CONSTITUTIONS ARE NOT INVIOLABLE”

Expressing that the need for change may arise in constitutions, Yazıcı made the following statement:

“Constitutions are not dogmatic, indispensable texts. They can be revised according to the spirit of the time and needs. We have this understanding. Expert opinions regarding the Presidential Government System will also be evaluated in this direction.”

Yazıcı stated that the opinions obtained from the workshops will be used in the process of creating the "Constitution of the Century of Turkey." He said that their ultimate goal is to reach the majority required for a constitutional amendment in parliament.