The Turkish Grand National Assembly began its 5th Legislative Year of the 28th Term under the shadow of a crisis in investment funds and opposition protests. The opening program began with a wreath-laying ceremony at the Atatürk Monument within the Parliament; the General Assembly session was held at 14:00 under the chairmanship of Parliament Speaker Numan Kurtulmuş.
In his speech at the General Assembly, President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan highlighted issues in the fund market, a new resolution process, calls for a new constitution, and political polarization. Erdoğan argued that the fund crisis had emerged in a specific segment of the market and stated that the matter was under control.
Within the framework of capital market rules, observing equity and justice, and without letting anyone infringe upon another's rights, we are resolving this matter rapidly.
Erdoğan stated that they would not allow the crisis to turn into a threat to economic security and social peace. In his opening speech, Parliament Speaker Kurtulmuş also expressed that allegations of irregularities and illicit gains in the fund crisis must be investigated in all aspects.
CALLS FOR RESIGNATION AND AN INVESTIGATION COMMISSION FROM THE OPPOSITION
Yeni Parti Chairman Özgür Özel, in his statement to journalists upon arriving at the Parliament, criticized the government harshly over the fund crisis. Arguing that individuals linked to the crisis had been appointed to public offices by Erdoğan, Özel said that the events could not be evaluated independently of the government.
Özel claimed that Erdoğan was either aware of what was happening or had lost the administrative capability to prevent such fraud. According to Özel, in the first case, Erdoğan should resign, and in the second, the ballot box should be brought to the people.
İYİ Party Chairman Müsavat Dervişoğlu described the fund scandal as "the biggest robbery in the history of the Republic carried out under public supervision." Dervişoğlu argued that the issue was not merely a financial crisis but a systemic one, and stated that an investigation commission should be established with equal representation from political parties.
MHP Deputy Chairman Feti Yıldız, in his statement to journalists at the Parliament, stated that there was no need to establish a separate investigation commission for the fund probe.
One of the notable developments of the opening was the protest against Erdoğan. During Erdoğan's arrival at the General Assembly, Yeni Parti and CHP deputies did not stand up. The DEM Party and İYİ Party benches stood up but did not applaud Erdoğan. Yeni Parti deputies left the hall without listening to Erdoğan's speech; CHP deputies remained in the hall.
CHP Chairman Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu, who is not a member of parliament, followed the opening from the visitor's gallery. Speaking upon leaving the General Assembly, Özel stated that they had attended the opening of the Parliament, listened to Kurtulmuş, and recited the National Anthem, while criticizing Erdoğan for judicial processes against the opposition and operations targeting municipalities.
After this point, we have no time to waste listening to someone who carries out a judicial coup against our party, makes appointments that suit their interests, and imprisons our presidential candidate.
RESOLUTION PROCESS, CONSTITUTION, AND TİP BOYCOTT
In his speech, Erdoğan also touched upon the new resolution process, which he referred to as a "Terror-Free Turkey." Thanking MHP Chairman Devlet Bahçeli and the DEM Party for their contributions to the process, Erdoğan congratulated the representatives of political parties who supported the discussions on the framework law.
Parliament Speaker Kurtulmuş reminded that the implementation of the law would be monitored through a Monitoring Commission to be established with the participation of political parties. MHP's Yıldız stated that he expected the commission to be established within a week to 10 days; he noted that the commission, which will not have sanctioning authority, can make recommendations and submit legislative proposals.
Erdoğan also reiterated his call for a new constitution. Arguing that the political diversity in the Parliament creates a suitable ground for constitutional amendment, Erdoğan expressed that the need for a democratic, participatory, libertarian, and civilian constitution had not been met. Emphasizing reconciliation instead of polarization in politics in his speech, Erdoğan stated that political parties should meet on the common interests of the country.
The Workers' Party of Turkey (TİP) did not attend the opening of the Parliament due to the fact that their deputy Can Atalay remains imprisoned. TİP Chairman Erkan Baş, Sera Kadıgil, and Ahmet Şık made a statement in front of the Constitutional Court. It was reported that Can Atalay, who is in prison, has also started a 24-hour hunger strike with the demand that Constitutional Court decisions be implemented and the obstacles to him fulfilling his parliamentary duties be removed.
News Source: 12punto
