Green light from Kurtulmuş for revision of the Presidential Government System: 'If parties find common ground'

When asked about the high-level hospitality during his visit and the reasons for Russia's interest in Turkey, Kurtulmuş said, "Of course, the principled, multilateral, and peaceful policy that Turkey pursues, especially in foreign policy, has a huge impact on this. All of our counterparts know that Turkey has made a very intense effort to resolve the Russia-Ukraine crisis."

A certain point had already been reached. In my meeting with Mr. Putin, I mentioned the Dolmabahçe Agreement. But unfortunately, they removed Ukraine from the table during the Dolmabahçe talks. As a result of this development, Russia also said, 'We had already accepted the agreement, so we did not break the agreement. The other side broke it.' Following a principled, multilateral stance and acting with the will to solve problems instead of getting stuck on them has given Turkey an extraordinarily high level of credibility.

'If Turkey says something, it does it.' A very high sense of trust has also been formed in the person of our President. One of the main reasons for the interest in Russia being higher than we expected is this principled and effective stance pursued by Turkey. The fact that they gave me the opportunity to address the General Assembly of the Federation Council of the Russian Federal Assembly is also extremely important. For the first time, a politician from Turkey is speaking at the General Assembly. This was very meaningful. They watched the speech carefully from beginning to end. I hope it will be beneficial," he said.

"TURKEY IS IN COOPERATION WITH RUSSIA"

Evaluating the questions regarding BRICS and NATO at the Diplomatic Academy of the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kurtulmuş said, "BRICS is primarily an economic cooperation organization, while NATO is a defense cooperation organization. Turkey is a NATO member but is also in cooperation with Russia. Turkey has never seen these relationships as alternatives to each other. We have said from the beginning that we do not think this way and that we are categorically against such an understanding. This is an approach that will ease Turkey's hand in foreign policy. Frankly, I am of the opinion that the strengthening of BRICS and the creation of a balance will be effective in maintaining world peace."

When asked when results would be achieved regarding initiatives to change the structure of the United Nations, Kurtulmuş spoke as follows:

"Unfortunately, the world seems to be running headlong toward a disaster. As the saying goes, 'all is fair in love and war,' we may be entering a period where it cannot be determined in advance who will cause what harm to whom. Especially Israel's aggressions have brought the world to such a point. In the context of the world's peoples—that is, for the broad masses in various countries and geographies who have a high sense of peace and justice—the most practical way to get out of this turbulence is to establish a new global system."

I am aware that it is not an easy thing. No one wants to change the privileges they have or the positions where they are advantageous. Of course, it is obvious that ideas demanding such radical changes in the world system will have a maturation process. As Turkey, we were saying these things even before our President first voiced them at the UN. Back then, perhaps people did not fully understand what we meant. Now, they are experiencing these troubles in practice themselves."

We are now entering a period where this thesis will have many more supporters. The new system must be built on two fundamental axes: the equality of people in creation and the equality of states in sovereignty. I hope countries will not defend the continuation of such a distorted order by saying, 'We have veto power.' Because we are rapidly moving toward a period where crises and conflicts will increasingly escalate. When a major international crisis erupts, veto power will not provide an advantage to anyone. For this reason, I believe a preparation process and a maturation process are needed for the new system."

"THE MOST IMPORTANT THING WE HAVE IS THE PRESSURE OF THE PEOPLE"

When asked, "How will Israel's aggression be stopped?" Kurtulmuş replied, "Israel has destroyed the rules-based international system. America and the West have remained spectators to the destruction of this system. Some countries even almost applauded this process. But as with every political development and event, this also has a price for politicians. In the Western world, a massive civil resistance emerged—what I call the humanity front—which no one had initially calculated. In America, France, Germany, Spain, Ireland, in many capitals of the world, and even inside Israel, reasonable, conscientious, and rational people have taken to the streets.

The existence of these protests will discourage hypocritical politicians and governments from supporting Israel under all circumstances. I have attended many international meetings since October 7. I can say this very clearly: At first, we couldn't even talk about the Palestine-Gaza issue with representatives of Western states. At an international meeting, a few days after the bombing of the Al-Ahli Arab Hospital in Gaza, I brought this issue up to the parliament speaker of an important Western country during a delegation meeting.

I said, 'So many civilians are being killed, people are being killed, babies in the hospital are being killed; we must put a stop to this, we must all make an effort together.' The answer I was given was, 'How do we know Israel did it? Maybe Hamas bombed it.' It is now clear that such insane pro-Israel bias will not save these politicians. The most important thing we have is the pressure of the people. A very large humanity front has formed, and I see in the international meetings I attend that governments are no longer as comfortable as they used to be in the face of this pressure from the people."

"THE DISUNITY, FRAGMENTATION, AND HELPLESSNESS OF ISLAMIC COUNTRIES ARE ISRAEL'S GREATEST STRENGTH"

When asked if Israel has been able to act so ruthlessly and lawlessly because no power has been formed against it, Kurtulmuş said, "Israel's greatest strength is not America, nor its military technology, nor its dominance in international media, nor in international financial circles, nor in international academia. These give Israel power, but Israel's greatest strength is the disunity, fragmentation, and helplessness of regional countries and Islamic countries.

While the world's people show their reactions, it is essential that we, as Turkey, bring regional countries and Middle Eastern countries to a point where they can set aside their political differences and act together. It is very painful; when the civil war in Syria began, people fled to Lebanon, and now they are fleeing from Lebanon to Syria.

We must see this now. The policy of Zionism, fueled by a paranoid religious argument, to bring this region under its dominion from the Nile to the Euphrates has reached its final stage. Turkey is also one of the ultimate targets of this policy. We need to be vigilant against this danger. The problems between Turkey and Syria must be resolved rapidly, and beyond normalization, very close dialogues must be established. Netanyahu and his gang see it this way: 'Us and the Middle Eastern peoples who are forced to be our slaves.' If the Middle Eastern peoples do not consent to being enslaved, they must move toward unity and integration," he stated.

"WE DO NOT WANT TO BE PERMANENT"

Regarding the question about Syria, Kurtulmuş said, "Since the very first moment the civil war in Syria broke out, Turkey has been a country that defends Syria's territorial integrity. Because the disintegration and fragmentation of Syria is a factor that will increase the instability of the Middle East. Therefore, the essential thing is to take steps that will ensure stability and territorial integrity in Syria. For this, Syria clearly needs Turkey. We do not want to be permanent on any country's land. We have never had such an imperial thought. But let those who claim otherwise first answer this question: Who supports the PYD, YPG, and PKK, and why? Who protects them in the middle of the region as a center of instability? Who provides logistics, weapons, and intelligence support to these organizations? They can only understand what the problem with Syria is when they answer this question."

"THERE IS AN IRRATIONAL ADMINISTRATION"

Regarding Iran's relations with Israel and the region, Kurtulmuş said, "It is not possible for any country to understand the Israel issue by putting the conflict between regional countries in the first place. In other words, there is no difference between the bomb detonated in Lebanon and the bomb used to assassinate Ismail Haniyeh. The one who detonates the bombs says, 'I will hit you wherever you are in the world, I will achieve the result I want.' The answer to this is not to produce solutions by treating Netanyahu and his gang as if there were a reasonable state before us. We are facing an irrational administration that sees terror methods as legitimate, and even sanctifies them from time to time, like a terrorist organization. Everyone in this region (including Iran) is aware of the developments. But I think they are now convinced that the policy of 'give the Palestinians and get rid of it' will not keep them afloat."

"DO NOT WASTE THE CONSTITUTION ON DISPUTES"

When asked about the "chance of making a new constitution in Turkey," Kurtulmuş said, "Of course there is. We have the chance, and the Grand National Assembly of Turkey has such a responsibility. In fact, we have tried to conduct an extremely open and transparent process from the beginning. We met with all parties. In our last meetings, no party categorically closed the door or said, 'we are closed to negotiation.' Of course, for the constitution-making process to function healthily, the ground for dialogue in politics must also function healthily. I think that producing solutions for the constitution or whatever our other fundamental issues are will contribute to politics, and that conducting the negotiations in the constitution-making process openly, transparently, and without any preconditions will normalize politics; it has a dual function. We see this in our visits abroad as well. Currently, we have deputies from the parties in the TBMM in our delegation.

When we present this image in meetings, we can explain our concerns more clearly. The message, 'Yes, we have different political opinions and different views within the country, but we act in alliance on Turkey's national issues,' is very important. As the Speaker of the Parliament, I would like to say this: The constitutional process should not be wasted on internal political disputes. Internal politics and the attitudes of the parties may differ, but in the end, the constitution is a common problem, our national problem. Unfortunately, some of our politicians are making wrong sentences and saying wrong things, claiming, 'The Speaker of the Parliament has a ready-made constitution in his hand, he is going around trying to persuade the parties.' This is completely wrong. If there is intent, it is a complete lie."

There is not even a single article ready. On the contrary, we are saying that all parties should express their views within the framework of their own political identities. We have created a one-year calendar starting from October. We will meet at certain intervals with the legal community, the academic community, non-governmental organizations, professional chambers, cooperatives, SME and tradesmen organizations, industrialists, students, retirees, and all groups, opinions, and organizations in society—in short, with all our people. We especially expect our universities to mature their ideas on this subject. We will strive to maintain a process without prejudice. I say this sincerely: what falls to me is to try to carry out this process. I am not in a position to impose views on anyone or any party. I would never do such a thing. But I have stated it very clearly before, and I still do. The Grand National Assembly of Turkey has both the authority and the power to make a constitution. Those who say 'this parliament cannot make a constitution' are those who have not internalized democracy. If the parties in parliament can meet on a common text, they will make the constitution. What we insistently say is, let no one poison this process," he stated.

"THE SUBJECT OF THE FIRST FOUR ARTICLES WILL NOT BE ON THE AGENDA"

When asked, "Was there a demand regarding the first four articles of the constitution in your first round of talks?" Kurtulmuş replied, "No, it did not come up. The debate on the first four articles is a waste of time. The majority, or even almost all, of the parties represented in parliament insistently say that they do not have the slightest problem with the first four articles. Therefore, the subject of the first four articles will not be on the agenda. Ultimately, making a constitution is a matter of arithmetic. If the vast majority of the parliament does not find it appropriate to discuss the first four articles, insisting on bringing this to the agenda is an unnecessary waste of time. As if such a debate exists, everyone, relevant or irrelevant, gets involved and tries to act as a guardian of the homeland. Since 1920, the guardian of this homeland and the unconditional owner of sovereignty is the Turkish Nation and the TBMM authorized by it."

Regarding the meetings expected to be held with broad segments of society starting from October, Kurtulmuş said, "These are consultative processes. Once the ideas regarding the constitution are clarified, it is clear how it will be legislated within a process. The necessary discussions on the subject will be held in parliament. I have expressed that I find it appropriate to bring up procedural issues rather than content discussions until now. What kind of commission will be formed, how it will work, and how the procedure will be operated will emerge as a result of the dialogue between the parties."

"I CAN SAY THAT THE CHP HAS AT LEAST NOT CLOSED THE DOOR"

When asked if there would be another series of meetings, Kurtulmuş said, "Undoubtedly. There will be a few more rounds. The parties will make their own proposals. An important point is that the discussions regarding the new constitution should not be used as a pretext for a new polarization or camp-building in society. There is no such thing as a party's constitution; it is the constitution of the people, of the nation. Ultimately, constitutions are a social contract." When asked how the CHP views the constitutional process, Kurtulmuş said, "In our initial contacts, I can say that the Republican People's Party (CHP) has approached the constitution-making process positively, or at least has not closed the door."

"IT IS TIME TO GET RID OF IT"

"We need to see this once. Some say, 'You have changed many articles, what more do you want?', but the spirit of the September 12 Constitution is within the texts of the constitution. It still has not attained a libertarian spirit," said Kurtulmuş. "There is a need for very fundamental issues such as what the duties and powers of institutions that functioned as guardianship mechanisms in the past will be from now on, what the authority and audit mechanisms will be after the transition to the Presidential Government System, and how the separation of powers will be ensured. This is why the constitution is coming to the agenda. It is time for Turkey to get rid of the coup constitution. Saying 'no, let's leave it for another time' is postponing such a need. We are also following politics very closely. It is obvious that when you ask 'should a new constitution be made?' in public opinion polls, the constitutional issue is not in the first place. If the other parties, especially the two parties that received the most votes in parliament, come to a common point together, it means that the new constitution has already begun to be popularized through the parties. A text that the parties negotiate and agree upon is a text that the people will also adopt," he stated.

"ACCUSATIONS AND FIGHTS DO NOT BEFIT US"

When asked about his expectations from MPs in the new legislative term, Kurtulmuş said, "The images that occurred before the Parliament closed unfortunately saddened everyone. Parliament is a place where politics is conducted by using clean language, showing respect to the other side, and explaining one's intentions without insulting anyone. We are all representatives of the public; we must act with this dignity and awareness. Engaging in physical interventions against counterparts in Parliament befits neither our deputies nor our Parliament. When Parliament reconvenes, I plan to discuss these issues first with the Parliamentary Bureau and then with the group deputy chairmen of the parties. Each of us has a responsibility here."

The Grand National Assembly of Turkey has worked for hours and days, so many negotiations have been held; there were times when the ruling party waived its speeches, and times when opposition parties withdrew their motions. Such a decent working environment was achieved, but as a result of words that exceeded their purpose, insults, and certain actions that would harm the other side, almost a year's work of the Parliament was about to be wasted. The Grand National Assembly of Turkey does not deserve this.

We travel to all countries. One of the parliaments that spends the most time working in the world is the Grand National Assembly of Turkey. Both the committees and the general assembly have demonstrated extraordinary work. Within so much negotiation, so many words, so much work, and so much political effort, insults, blanket accusations, fistfights, and quarrels—these do not befit us, they are not right. Our friends need to pull themselves together based on both good language and respect for the other side," he said.

When asked whether there are penalties in the internal regulations regarding these issues, Kurtulmuş said, "Of course there are. But the penalties must be applied effectively. If necessary, it is also possible to increase these penalties with an amendment to the internal regulations." Upon being asked about an amendment to the internal regulations, Kurtulmuş stated, "I said this in my first speech when I was elected Parliament Speaker. There is also a need for an amendment to the internal regulations. For example, changes can be made in many areas, from changing the names of the committees to redesigning the weekly negotiation processes of the Parliament. I will discuss this issue with the party groups as soon as Parliament starts and bring it to their agenda."

Kurtulmuş answered the question, "Will there be a change in the Presidential Government System in a possible constitutional amendment? Is there a demand from the opposition in this direction?" as follows:

"This is a matter of process. We are not currently in a situation where any party has come with a demand like 'I have this request.' But it is clear what the needs are. From time to time, our President has also made statements saying, 'Some revisions can be made to the Presidential Government System.' First of all, by establishing basic principles, proposals can come on many issues such as ensuring check-and-balance functions, protecting the separation of powers very sensitively, and even reorganizing the top management of the judiciary. As these proposals come to the agenda, they will be negotiated. If the parties find common ground, changes will be made."

When asked, "Can we also sense a revision in the Presidential Government System from your side?" Kurtulmuş replied, "This has already been said. It is obvious that there are needs for some revisions."

News Source: İHA