Response of CHP and HDP to message of MHP chair on early election: 'We are for it'
Turkey’s parliament has been holding debates on AKP’s proposed constitutional amendments, which also include major changes in structure and functions of all three branches, especially the legislative and executive. Also referred to among parts of the public and officials as the ‘presidential system package’, the constitutional amendments suggested by ruling party AKP received support of only a group of MHP members, though MHP (Nationalist Movement Party) chair Devlet Bahçeli openly shared his intention to approve the package as a whole both in the parliament and at the referendum. Other opposition parties CHP and HDP and their constituents are strongly against the proposal.
Following the heated debates, which even turned into fistfight and brawl at times, MHP Chair Devlet Bahçeli gave a message to parliamentarians by saying “if these changes (in the constitution) are not passed, the parliament must be renewed.”
While this message was read by some in the opposition as a message signaling to the parliamentarians the possible consequences of an early election and as a way of intimidation, CHP and HDP leaders responded quickly by saying ‘they are absolutely fine with holding early election.'
Speaking on behalf of his party’s chair, CHP parliamentary group leader Özgür Özel said: “Instead of attempting to bring about a regime change, we actually give full support for a decision on holding early elections.” HDP Spokesperson Ayhan Bilgen also said they are ‘in support of early elections.’
Source: https://www.birgun.net/haber-detay/hdp-den-de-erken-secim-onerisine-destek-142961.html