Turkish lawmakers debate constitution as brawl ensues

Turkish lawmakers approved three more articles today of a controversial bill that will bolster the powers of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, formally transforming Turkey from a parliamentary democracy into a country governed through a presidential system.

Five of the 18 articles have now been approved with the three-fifths majority required for the new constitution to be submitted to a referendum expected in April.

Lawmakers began the week debating the first reading of the 18-article bill to change the constitution to create an executive presidency.

The articles approved covered lowering the minimum age limit of members of parliament from 25 to 18, stipulating parliamentary elections be held every five years, instead of four, as well as an article on the parliament’s own powers.

The bill has been met with protest both outside as well as inside the Turkish Grand National Assembly, where a brawl erupted in the chamber as voting took place in an overnight session.

Following the brawl, a politician from the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) was reported by Reuters as saying that Turkey will hold early elections if parliament fails to approve a constitutional reform package expanding Erdogan’s powers.

“I am proud of my [Republican People’s Party – CHP] deputies who showed resistance despite all the attacks from the AKP which is desperate to knock down the seat of the nation’s will,” the CHP’s deputy chairman, Ozgur Ozel, said.

While critics say the move is part of a power grab by Erdogan for a one-man rule, supporters say it will put Turkey in line with France and the US and is needed for efficient government in an increasingly unstable Turkey rocked by regional turbulence.

Under the proposed changes, there would no longer be a formal cabinet but there will be ministers whom the president will have the power to appoint and fire.