Şamil Tayyar's 'New Constitution' outburst: It's not on the public's agenda

While the AKP has put the issue of a "new constitution" back on its agenda following its defeat in the March 31 local elections, a remarkable statement has come from former AKP MP Şamil Tayyar.

In a post on his social media account, Tayyar stated that there is no demand for a new constitution on the public's agenda.

THE DEMAND FOR A NEW CONSTITUTION IS NOT ON THE PUBLIC'S AGENDA

Tayyar reacted to the government's insistence on a constitution by saying, “The demand for a new constitution does not even make it into the top 20 on the public's agenda. Furthermore, we have not seen a single person in any place we have visited or traveled to who is asking for a new constitution.” Tayyar listed the public's priority issues as the cost of living, unemployment, refugees, and a lack of competence/merit.

In the message he shared, Tayyar noted the following:

"There are 4 issues that stand out in the agenda scans of public opinion research companies: The cost of living, unemployment, refugees, and a lack of competence/merit. The demand for a new constitution does not even make it into the top 20. Furthermore, we have not seen a single person in any place we have visited or traveled to who is asking for a new constitution."

There are 4 issues that stand out in the agenda scans of public opinion research companies:

1-Cost of Living.
2-Unemployment.
3-Refugees.
4-Competence/Merit.

The demand for a new constitution does not even make it into the top 20.

Furthermore, we have not seen a single person in any place we have visited or traveled to who is asking for a new constitution…

— Şamil Tayyar (@samiltayyar27) September 19, 2024

ERDOĞAN HAD SAID 'THERE IS A NEED FOR A NEW CONSTITUTION'

President and AKP Chairman Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, on the other hand, had stated that Turkey needs a new constitution and said:

''A new, civilian constitution is our debt to our nation. We all know that a constitution that is a product of a coup does not suit Turkish democracy. We want to bring our nation together with a new, civilian, and inclusive constitution. We have expressed our red lines many times. Of course, the expression of thought in democratic politics cannot be prevented. Even if we do not agree or find it correct, we must approach different ideas with tolerance. We have been careful to maintain this line until today. However, we believe that maximalist rhetoric will hinder rather than contribute to constitutional discussions. I am underlining it again; there is no discussion from our perspective regarding the first 4 articles of the constitution. In particular, the People's Alliance has no such trouble, no such concern. Our party's stance, attitude, and approach on this issue are very clear. We desire to manage and successfully conclude the new constitution process with the broadest possible social consensus. We want to save our nation from the coup constitution as soon as possible and pave the way for Turkey. We also believe that the political institution should approach the new constitution process with a constructive and moderate constitutional understanding.''

News Source: 12punto