Parliament Speaker Kurtulmuş speaks: 'It is fitting for Turkey to draft a new constitution'

Parliament Speaker Numan Kurtulmuş responded to questions from NTV's Funda Görey and Özgür Akbaş at the Parliament regarding the 50+1 debate in politics and the new constitution.

Kurtulmuş stated, "It is clear that there will be no turning back from the Presidential Government System in Turkey,” and continued as follows:

Emphasizing that an environment must first be created for a truly comprehensive constitutional amendment, Kurtulmuş said, "It is now fitting for Turkey to draft a new constitution. It is even a necessity.”

THE 50+1 ISSUE

Kurtulmuş noted, “A system change took place with the referendum held in Turkey. The Presidential Government System has been in practice for 5 years. In Turkey, an environment for a truly comprehensive constitutional amendment must first be created. I believe it would be more accurate to address this and similar issues as a whole within these constitutional amendment discussions."

Kurtulmuş further added, "It is clear that it is not possible to turn back from the Presidential Government System in Turkey. Our people have confirmed their trust in this system three times. There is no question of a return. The path I would personally prefer is for these issues to be addressed on the right ground and with the right methods within the constitutional discussions. The discussions we are having concern the future of our country. It is important that these issues are evaluated within a constitutional discussion platform supported by scientific data,” he said.

THIS ISSUE WILL NOT BE OPENED UNTIL THE ELECTION

Kurtulmuş continued as follows:

"A negotiation environment must be created between the parties. A Parliament that celebrates the 100th anniversary of our Republic should focus on the needs of our country in a free and unbiased manner. I am making an effort to create a civilized negotiation environment. Each party is conducting its own work, and these efforts must be brought together. Our wish is for the constitutional proposal to pass with 400 votes in parliament and for the nation's constitution to be created. The time has come for Turkey to draft a new constitution; I even believe it is a necessity.

A great duty falls upon the opposition parties. A state-centered constitution that is not nation-centered was made in the past. This need has increased even more today. The September 12 Constitution caused controversy the day it was accepted. The Parliament is authorized to make any constitutional amendment it wishes. I do not think this issue can be opened until the election."

Kurtulmuş also touched upon the following:

ATALAY CRISIS

"We observe that this debate stems from the current constitution. The stance of the TBMM (Grand National Assembly of Turkey) is clear. The fact that his name was read in Parliament on the day the parliamentary oath was taken, and that he was subsequently elected to the Human Rights Commission with the joint inclination of the parties, is a situation that clearly shows the Parliament's stance. No power has the authority to assign tasks to the TBMM. The TBMM, as the center of legislation, has the power to change laws and the constitution when necessary. I am making a special effort to ensure that the TBMM is not made a party to this debate. Let no one attempt to assign homework to the TBMM."

On Özel's words that "Kurds are less equal": 'Turks and Kurds are one and equal'

"This statement does not reflect the reality in Turkey. Our Kurdish brothers and sisters are not in a position where they cannot reach any office as citizens of the Republic of Turkey. Our Minister of Treasury and Finance is a Kurdish brother of ours. The Vice President is also a Kurdish brother of ours. Such a situation is not on Turkey's agenda. Politicians should be careful about the language they use. Turks and Kurds are one and equal. Alevis and Sunnis are one and equal. Discrimination, whoever it comes from and whoever it is committed by, is unacceptable."

News Source: 12punto