Turkey’s path towards a presidential system

Media reported in late 2016 on plans by Turkey's government and governing party to pursue a presidentialist agenda for the country, as well as their effort to revive Turkish nationalism and influence in neighbouring regions.

President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan's AKP needed a super-majority in the parliament to call for a referendum on this fundamental constitutional change. Many saw the nationalist MHP as the ideal partner to unblock the situation.

The ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) officially delivered a charter draft to the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) on the 15 November 2016, days after the leaders of both parties agreed on principles over constitutional changes that would pave the way for the adoption of a presidential system.

Politico, 27.10.16: Erdoğan pursues his plan for even greater power http://www.politico.eu/article/recep-tayyip-erdogan-pursues-his-plan-for-even-greater-power-turkish-president-akp/

Hürriyet Daily News, 14.11.16: [Opinion] The worst-case scenario for Turkey http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/the-worst-case-scenario-for-turkey-.aspx?pageID=449&nID=106076

Newsweek, 04.11.16: Turkish Minister Urges Mothers To Sing Lullabies of Erdogan’s 2071 Vision http://europe.newsweek.com/turkish-minister-urges-mothers-sing-lullabies-erdogans-2071-vision-517161

Novinite, 12.11.16: Turkish Govt, Opposition Agree on Introducing Presidential System http://www.novinite.com/articles/177368/Turkish+Govt,+Opposition+Agree+on+Introducing+Presidential+System

Anadolu Agency, 11.11.16: Turkish govt, nationalists agree on presidential system http://aa.com.tr/en/politics/turkish-govt-nationalists-agree-on-presidential-system/683588

Hürriyet Daily News, 13.11.16: CHP joins charter bid: We would like to see the draft http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/chp-joins-charter-bid-we-would-like-to-see-the-draft.aspx?pageID=238&nID=106069

Hürriyet Daily News, 11.11.16: AKP, MHP meeting could usher in charter change: PM www.hurriyetdailynews.com/akp-mhp-meeting-could-usher-in-charter-change-pm.aspx?pageID=238&nID=106028

Huffington Post, 02.11.16: What Is Next In Turkey? http://www.huffingtonpost.com/aydoaean-vatanda/what-is-next-in-turkey_b_12742486.html

Hürriyet Daily News, 15.11.16: AKP delivers charter draft to MHP http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/akp-delivers-charter-draft-to-mhp.aspx?pageID=238&nID=106136

ESO: Background information: Key findings of the 2016 Report on Turkey http://www.europeansources.info/record/key-findings-of-the-2016-report-on-turkey/

ESO: Background information: Turkey was once a free society. Now the country is rapidly destroying itselfTurkey was once a free society. Now the country is rapidly destroying itself http://www.europeansources.info/record/turkey-was-once-a-free-society-now-the-country-is-rapidly-destroying-itself/

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