Bülent Arınç criticizes the presidential system implemented in Turkey: 'I find it wrong'

Former Speaker of the Grand National Assembly of Turkey (TBMM) and a prominent figure in the AKP, Bülent Arınç, criticized the presidential system and the constitution in an interview with Mocca magazine during his visit to Europe. Arınç stated, 'This is an "alaturka" (unsystematic/hybrid) system. Either a full presidential system should be adopted, or a semi-presidential system should be adopted.'

"I FIND THE PARTISAN PRESIDENTIAL SYSTEM WRONG"

In the interview published in the magazine titled "Bülent Arınç Passed Through Berlin," Arınç made harsh criticisms regarding the presidential government system, stating, "I find the partisan presidential system wrong. This is an "alaturka" system. Either a full presidential system should be adopted, or a semi-presidential system should be adopted. There are examples of these systems in the world."

"THE WORST CONSTITUTION IS THE ONE THAT IS NOT IMPLEMENTED"

Regarding the new constitution efforts, Arınç said in the interview, "The best constitution is the one that is implemented. The worst constitution is the one that is not implemented. This is a quote by Ali Fuat Başgil. The current constitution is a constitution that cannot be implemented. Of course, it should be changed.

There are many more important tasks for the AK Party to accomplish. The mistakes made are hindering the completion of these important tasks. For example, waste must be prevented.

Necessary investigations should be conducted regarding those who abuse their positions. The job should be given to those who are qualified; merit should be prioritized. Even if it is difficult, it must be done. Our people brought us to power to do these difficult jobs. Our people know what we have endured. That is why they have kept us in power for 22 years already," he assessed.

"I DID NOT TAKE OFF MY SHIRT"

Emphasizing that Turkey needs good governance, Arınç highlighted the following in the interview: "We have been in power for 22 years, and no matter how many important services we have signed our names to, as our President puts it, 'metal fatigue' occurs. From time to time, it is necessary to make personnel changes. Those in the back ranks should be moved to the front ranks. This is a war tactic.

One can fight for Turkey without taking off their shirt; I did not take off my shirt. There are other friends of ours like me who did not take off their shirts. We set out on this path in 1970. We hit a wall four times along the way. There was no point in hitting the wall a fifth time.

We founded the AK Party for this purpose, and we have done very great and important things to date. We helped Turkey leap forward in the first 12 years. The late Menderes had the call to prayer (ezan) recited in its original form and was sentenced to death. Countless plots were also set up against us. In the past, Demirel had compared conservative Muslims to watermelons; he had said, 'These are green communists; they are green on the outside and red on the inside.'"

News Source: 12punto