As government changes, Turkish Republic is eternal: PM

By Sarp Ozer

ANKARA (AA) – Turkey’s premier said Wednesday even as the country’s system of government is being changed, the Republic of Turkey will live forever, looking ahead to a referendum on constitutional changes set for April.

Speaking at the ruling Justice and Development (AK) Party district leaders’ meeting in Ankara, Prime Minister Binali Yildirim slammed opposition parties, saying that “their republicanism is not acceptable” as they do not respect the Turkish people.

“If Turkey had been ruled by a monarchy, and if we had proposed a democratic system, you can be sure that all of them [opponents of the constitutional changes] would want to keep a king and queen,” he said.

The premier blasted claims by the main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP) that the reforms would present a “regime problem,” saying, “This is incomprehensible, and the people don’t believe them.”

He added, “Turkey has no regime problem.”

On Tuesday, CHP leader Kemal Kilicdaroglu said that his party will vote No in the referendum on constitution changes. Speaking to his party’s parliamentary group, he said: "We will go to the referendum and vote for democracy."

Constitutional reforms, including a shift to a presidential system, have been on the political agenda since Recep Tayyip Erdogan, then-prime minister and AK Party leader, was elected president in August 2014.

Yildirim also reiterated his thanks to opposition Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) leader Devlet Bahceli and his party for their support. Last month, MHP deputies joined their ruling AK Party colleagues from across the aisle to vote in favor of the constitutional reform package.

“Turkey has also ensured the necessary political consensus for this reform,” said the premier.

Aside from the change to an executive presidency, other reforms include allowing the president to maintain party political affiliation.

The referendum on constitutional changes is expected to be held on either April 9 or April 16.