AKP's constitution makes it easier to dissolve parliament than to litigate corruption claims
Turkey’s parliament completed voting on the 18-item constitutional amendments proposed by ruling party AKP and supported by MHP. Next round of parliamentary sessions on the proposal will resume after a two days long break.
As the controversy over the proposed articles, where the power of the executive office is enhanced excessively, remains as heated as before, CHP Deputy Chair Çetin Osman Budak drew attention to another point of imbalance. Budak pointed out that while the number of neccessary votes to dissolve the parliament will be 360, the parliament will have to approve referral of a minister to Supreme Court on corruption claims with 400 votes.
Emphasizing the damage the proposed articles would bring about on the principle of seperation of powers, MP Budak asked Justice Minister Bekir Bozdağ if he sees it just for parliament to be dissolved with 360 votes while 400 votes are required for bringing a minister before a court on corruption accusations.
Not giving a straightforward reply to MP’s question, Minister Bozdağ said: “When reviewed, it can be seen very clearly that the propoal actually seperates the executive and legislative branches completey... Currently, the executive relies on the trust of the legislative branch... With this proposal, it will carry out its duties by getting its power directly from the people. We will have a public that elects not only the legislators but also the head of the executive branch. And, this will strengthen national will.”
Opposition parties CHP and HDP are strongly against the proposed amendments.