Turkish premier sees 'brighter future' after referendum

By Emin Avundukluoglu

ANKARA (AA) - Prime Minister Binali Yildirim has said Turkey will quickly move towards a brighter future following the constitutional referendum.

In remarks made at his party's parliamentary group meeting in Ankara on Tuesday, Yildirim said: "With this constitutional change, the power of the nation will be truly realized."

He said the constitutional reforms would benefit the nation. "Turkey will move towards a brighter future more quickly following the constitutional referendum."

He also criticized the position of the main opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP) on the constitutional reforms, which is expected to vote No in the upcoming referendum. "They are afraid of going to nation. The decision of the nation is the most correct decision," the premier said.

He said groups like the Fetullah Terrorist Organization (FETO), terrorist PKK group and the opposition People's Democracy Party (HDP) were on side of No in the referendum.

He warned the CHP against siding with terrorist organization and “getting on the boat of HDP."

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

On Jan. 20, lawmakers from the ruling Justice and Development (AK) Party and Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) voted in favor of a new constitutional reform package.

Two opposition parties -- the People’s Republican Party (CHP) and Peoples’ Democratic Party (HDP) -- remain opposed to the proposed changes.

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

There will be changes to Turkey’s highest judicial body, which would be renamed while retaining its independence and own budget. It also sets 2019 as the date for Turkey’s next presidential and parliamentary elections.