Message on new constitution from Parliament Speaker Kurtulmuş: 'Let those who say they will block it keep shouting from their corners'

Grand National Assembly of Türkiye (TBMM) Speaker Numan Kurtulmuş said regarding the new constitution, "There is nothing to be done for those who say 'I am against this, I will block it'; let them keep shouting from their corners. What matters is the will of the nation; everyone will respect the will of the nation."

Kurtulmuş made statements and answered questions from journalists on the plane while returning from his visits to Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan.

When asked whether there is a will to draft a new constitution in Türkiye, Kurtulmuş stated that all parties have demands for a constitution in their election manifestos or political rhetoric.

"NEW CONSTITUTION IS IMPORTANT FOR TWO REASONS"

Parliament Speaker Kurtulmuş emphasized that drafting a civil, libertarian, inclusive, and more democratic constitution is a primary responsibility and necessity, stating, "It is very valuable for this Parliament to draft a constitution for two reasons. First, it coincides with the beginning of the second century of our Republic. Second, it has the highest representation capability with a rate of 95 percent."

Claiming that they are managing a transparent and open process regarding the constitution, Kurtulmuş expressed that he is satisfied with the process.

"NONE OF OUR PARTIES CLOSED THE DOOR"

Kurtulmuş continued as follows:

"These are just our initial contacts. We visited everyone without entering into any content discussions. What I insistently emphasize and state is that procedure precedes substance. We must first determine our method and then carry out our discussions. The political parties with groups in the Grand National Assembly of Türkiye will determine this. Our parties have the opportunity to come together. Because in our first visits, no party closed the door on this issue.

They stated some of their reservations from the very beginning. These reservations are understandable, meaningful, and democratic reactions. But in the end, none of our parties have closed the door on the process. This is a pleasing thing. This Parliament accepts every idea, but we will never accept the view that 'This Parliament does not have the right to change the constitution.' Because this is an antidemocratic stance."

Upon being reminded of his visits to political parties, Kurtulmuş stated that he has not discussed the substance or the content of the constitution in his contacts so far.