Checking the Opposition, Balancing the Judiciary: Constitutional Reform Debates in Turkey

Turkey's government and opposition were embroiled in a deep conflict over proposed changes to the Turkish constitution. The two major opposition parties had made it clear that they would not be party to the efforts of the governing party to amend the constitution in unacceptable ways. The governing party would fight bitterly to the end to get what it wanted. The Turkish voters woul have to brace themselves for a no holds barred battle, which was likely to be followed by a tension-ridden referendum. Peace and tranquility would not be the words to characterize Turkish politics in the months to come.