Presidential system and new normalization
Every political party in Ankara is trying to get ahead in the race to restructure the state, something that has been discussed but never realized since the 1930s, in an effort to bring new perspectives to counterterrorism, economic reinvigoration and foreign policy. Turkey is striving to create a new normal that covers all aspects of life, from the political system to the struggle against terrorism, and from foreign politics to education. In a sense, Turkey is going through a period where the new normal is being adjusted. The July 15 coup attempt blatantly showed this reality.
Turkey is taking its first steps to create the new normal by amending the political system and the Constitution and thoroughly renewing the military. Moreover, it is readdressing the Kurdish question, which has seen all kinds of peaceful and concomitant counterterrorism means, as well as relations with the U.S. and the EU. A Turkish-style presidential system will be the first outcome of this process. There are also the unavoidable consequences of politics running in its natural channel.
Indeed, Turkey's quest for a new political system goes a long way back. In the 1970s, this need was repeatedly voiced by both intellectuals and different political players; however, pro-tutelage elites did not even tolerate the discussion of it. Still, their claim that "the regime is changing" is a continuation of these efforts. But there is great dynamism backstage in Ankara now, and those days are coming to an end. Several days ago, the Justice and Development Party (AK Party) presented its proposal for a new system to the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP). The MHP is working on that proposal. The first reactions are positive.
The most curious thing at the moment is what kind of a system the AK Party is proposing. But, there are a few hints that have emerged. The system is based on the presidency that has been the center of politics since the first popularly held presidential elections on Aug. 10, 2014. In a sense, this (de facto) situation is becoming legal. The clearest change is the removal of the prime ministerial office. Instead, there will be vice presidents, while deputies will not be able to become ministers.
The new system stipulates that legislative authority will belong to Parliament and executive authority will be exercised by the president. It authorizes the president to approve and issue laws or to veto them and hold a referendum on them.
The AK Party members who prepared the new constitutional text and the MHP members who are working on them are not going into the particulars. But, they agree that the system has an assuring mechanism of checks and balances. Soon, we will see its particulars.
Turkey is taking its first steps to create the new normal by amending the political system and the Constitution and thoroughly renewing the military. Moreover, it is readdressing the Kurdish question, which has seen all kinds of peaceful and concomitant counterterrorism means, as well as relations with the U.S. and the EU. A Turkish-style presidential system will be the first outcome of this process. There are also the unavoidable consequences of politics running in its natural channel.
Indeed, Turkey's quest for a new political system goes a long way back. In the 1970s, this need was repeatedly voiced by both intellectuals and different political players; however, pro-tutelage elites did not even tolerate the discussion of it. Still, their claim that "the regime is changing" is a continuation of these efforts. But there is great dynamism backstage in Ankara now, and those days are coming to an end. Several days ago, the Justice and Development Party (AK Party) presented its proposal for a new system to the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP). The MHP is working on that proposal. The first reactions are positive.
The most curious thing at the moment is what kind of a system the AK Party is proposing. But, there are a few hints that have emerged. The system is based on the presidency that has been the center of politics since the first popularly held presidential elections on Aug. 10, 2014. In a sense, this (de facto) situation is becoming legal. The clearest change is the removal of the prime ministerial office. Instead, there will be vice presidents, while deputies will not be able to become ministers.
The new system stipulates that legislative authority will belong to Parliament and executive authority will be exercised by the president. It authorizes the president to approve and issue laws or to veto them and hold a referendum on them.
The AK Party members who prepared the new constitutional text and the MHP members who are working on them are not going into the particulars. But, they agree that the system has an assuring mechanism of checks and balances. Soon, we will see its particulars.