Minister Tunç thanks Sivas residents for 80 percent support and makes a push for a new Constitution: 'Written by the nation, not by coup plotters'

Tunç stated, "We say that we must begin the Century of Turkey with a new constitution, a democratic, civil, and participatory social contract written by the representatives of the nation, the members of parliament, and approved by the nation, rather than a constitution written by coup plotters. We hope to achieve this through a consensus to be reached in parliament."

Providing information about the new constitution efforts in his speech, Minister Tunç said, "With the reforms we have carried out in our Constitution, we have ensured structural transformations in areas where the tutelary mindset once flourished, from women's rights to children's rights, and the rights of our martyrs' and veterans' families, while also increasing avenues for seeking justice. We have brought the structure of the Constitutional Court and the Council of Judges and Prosecutors into line with the principle of a democratic state of law. 

We have achieved all of this with the support of our nation. In referendums, the people of Sivas voted 'yes' by over 80 percent. The 2010 amendment, the 2017 constitutional amendment, the structure of the Supreme Military Council, the structure of the National Security Council—do you remember? Just recall the photograph from the Supreme Military Council meetings. 

The Prime Minister and the Chief of General Staff used to sit side by side. We have covered significant ground in terms of civilianization regarding the secretariat of the National Security Council. We abolished the State Security Courts. We ensured judicial unity. We abolished the distinctions of military justice and the Military Court of Cassation.

There was a clause in our Constitution stating that 'martial law can be declared.' 'Martial law can be declared if necessary.' We abolished these. There was a clause stating that coup plotters could not be tried; we abolished it. These were all realized with the approval of our nation. Is this enough? Of course, it is not enough. We say that we must begin the Century of Turkey with a new constitution, a democratic, civil, and participatory social contract written by the representatives of the nation, the members of parliament, and approved by the nation, rather than a constitution written by coup plotters. We hope to achieve this through a consensus to be reached in Parliament," he said.

Stating that they are making efforts to keep young people and children away from bad habits, Minister Tunç continued as follows:

"Our primary duty is to keep our children and youth away from virtual dangers, illegal betting, and virtual gambling. We must do this and we must succeed. It is the common duty of our state, our families, and all of us. Furthermore, our duty is to keep our youth away from the scourge and plague of drugs, and to protect families, women, and everyone from all forms of violence. By further empowering our women, who are the pillars of the family, we want to strengthen the family, strengthen society, and look to the future with more confidence as a nation as a whole.

We are working very hard for this. Our President has been showing great effort for the prosperity of our nation with all his staff for 23 years. Of course, we have managed to overcome all kinds of obstacles in this process thanks to our nation. We have also faced difficulties. 11 of our provinces were devastated by the earthquake.

We had to transfer nearly 3 trillion to that region. Because we had to ensure our citizens moved from tents to containers, and from containers to permanent housing as soon as possible. We had to spend a significant portion of the Treasury's resources there. In fact, we had reduced inflation to single digits. Now we will reduce it to single digits again. Now is the recovery process. We are striving to rightfully increase the purchasing power of our retirees, civil servants, and workers. We will succeed in this again."

'WE HAVE NOT TAKEN ANY STEPS SO FAR THAT WOULD DISTURB OUR NATION'

Speaking about the 'Terror-Free Turkey' project, Minister Tunç said:

"The terrorist organization has taken a decision to dissolve. Of course, after this dissolution decision, after the decision to lay down arms, we have continued to monitor the disarmament process together with the relevant institutions of our state. Of course, if there had not been harmony between state institutions in this process, both in terms of intelligence and relevant ministries, and thanks to a general consensus in the parliamentary commission established—with perhaps one or two exceptions—we have reached these days. Of course, we are talking not only about a 'Terror-Free Turkey' but also a 'terror-free region.'

Laying down arms along with their external connections and eliminating the elements that threaten our country and our nation. Efforts and work in this sense are continuing. Of course, in this process, we will listen to our martyrs' families and our veterans. We have not taken any steps so far that would disturb our nation.

We said we would not take any from now on either, and by continuing on our path, hopefully by achieving a Terror-Free Turkey, we will make the construction process of the Century of Turkey even easier, and we will build a more peaceful Turkey together for the peace of our nation, for the future of our nation, our children, and our youth. We have overcome all difficulties thanks to our nation. We have managed to overcome every obstacle thanks to our nation.

In all difficulties, our nation stood by Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and trusted Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. This mutual trust, his trust in the nation, is what has enabled us to reach these points today. Investment drives will continue without slowing down in every part of our country."

News Source: 12punto