Bad news for Erdoğan from DEM regarding new constitution preparations!

The demands for a new constitution, frequently brought to the agenda by President and AKP Chairman Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, continue to occupy Turkey's agenda. However, one of the most notable statements in this process came from DEM Party Group Deputy Chair Gülistan Koçyiğit.

Koçyiğit reacted sharply to the government's call for a new constitution and stated that it is impossible for them to approve a constitutional amendment in a process where democratic participation is not ensured.

In political circles, there is speculation that Erdoğan might bring the "solution process" back to the agenda in order to become President for a fourth time through a new constitution, and that he would need the support of the DEM Party in this process.

However, Koçyiğit gave a harsh response to these claims. Stating, "This topic has never been on our table," Koçyiğit emphasized that the government has not conveyed any requests or meeting proposals to them regarding the constitutional process.

Koçyiğit stated that they acknowledge that Turkey being governed by a constitution dating back to the September 12 era is unsustainable, and expressed that discussions on a new constitution must be conducted on a democratic foundation.

However, she said that the process the AKP is trying to carry out lacks democratic participation, and therefore their party cannot be involved in this process.

"THIS TOPIC HAS NOT COME TO OUR TABLE"

The DEM Party Group Deputy Chair reiterated that they have never been called to be a part of the constitutional amendment process, saying: "There has been no request, invitation, or meeting regarding this process. This topic has never been on our table. There may be other agendas behind the scenes of the process. However, we will not be a part of these agendas."

Koçyiğit pointed out that before a constitutional amendment is made, the necessary conditions for this change must be met.

Reminding that most opposition parties have stated they will not participate in this process, Koçyiğit asked, "Then how will this constitution happen?" expressing that the process conducted by the AKP is not progressing in a healthy manner. Koçyiğit stated, "To think that we would approve a constitution cooked in the kitchen of the AKP and the People's Alliance and presented to us is to not know us at all," indicating that the process is unacceptable in its current form.

Koçyiğit stated that the main opposition party, the CHP, and other opposition parties have announced they will not be involved in this constitutional process, adding, "It is impossible to approve a text that will emerge in an environment where democratic participation is not ensured."

Koçyiğit said they acknowledge that it is unsustainable for Turkey to continue being governed by the constitution brought by the September 12 coup, and that a change must be made in this regard. However, she emphasized that this change must be made with public participation and by ensuring a broad consensus.

While opposing Erdoğan's demands for a new constitution, the DEM Party once again expressed that the current process must be carried out with broader participation and in a transparent manner.