Turkey needs New Civilian Constitution, Erdoğan says

Speaking to reporters after attending the Turkish States Organization summit in Budapest, Erdoğan addressed ongoing debates about a new constitution and early elections. "Turkey is experiencing one of its most stable and strongest periods in history," he said, rejecting calls for early elections. "We will not drag Turkey into such an ordeal; there is no need for it."

Erdoğan stressed the need for a new constitution to replace the current one, drafted under military rule in 1982. "The world is changing, and Turkey cannot move forward with a constitution written by coup plotters," he said, noting that there is no issue with the first four articles of the current charter, which enshrine the republic's foundational principles.

He called for cross-party collaboration, particularly urging the main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP) to join efforts in forming a civilian-led constitutional committee. "We did this during my time as prime minister, and we can do it again quickly," he added, emphasizing that the new constitution is for the country's benefit, not his personal ambitions, as he cannot run for office again.

The president condemned the West’s inaction on Gaza, describing it as a "moral failure" and a "test of sincerity" for global human rights advocates. "Babies are dying from bullets, bombs, and starvation in Gaza. How can the world stay silent?" he asked, accusing Western institutions of undermining their own principles by ignoring Israel’s actions. 

Erdoğan reaffirmed Turkey’s commitment to humanitarian aid, saying, "We will continue sending food and support to Palestinians, despite Israel’s efforts to block aid." Erdoğan noted that Israel’s increasing global isolation and emerging European criticism signal a shift, adding, "Our goal is to transform these developments into positive outcomes for Gaza and Palestine."

The president also highlighted Turkey's growing regional influence, citing the Budapest summit as a milestone for the Turkish States Organization, which he said has boosted trade with member states by nearly 50 percent over the past five years. He praised Hungary, an EU member and observer in the organization, for hosting the summit, underscoring the deepening ties between Ankara and Budapest.

"Hungary's support for Turkey's EU membership bid is significant, and our cooperation in defense, energy, and agriculture is expanding," he said.

On domestic issues, Erdoğan celebrated the recent announcement by the PKK terrorist group to lay down arms and dissolve, a development he described as a historic achievement.

He indicated that the process of disarmament is being closely monitored by Turkey's intelligence agency and other institutions, with no set date yet for the PKK's full surrender of weapons.

Erdoğan also addressed criticisms from the CHP, which has raised concerns about empty parliamentary seats potentially triggering by-elections. He dismissed these as attempts to destabilize the government, stating, "The CHP has never focused on serving the people. They keep talking about early elections, but the public sent MPs to parliament for a five-year term just two years ago."

Source: HDN