By Koustubh Tol
Turkey, the middle-eastern country bordered by Syria, has been under a political turmoil since the last 2 years mainly due to sporadic conflicts with ISIS and Kurdish rebels. Starting from the Ankara bombings in 2015 to the recent assassination of Russian ambassador Andrey Karlov, the country has become one of the worst victims of the recent crisis in its neighbourhood. With the New year eve’s shootings, the problem has only gotten worse.
[su_pullquote]The controversial 18-article new constitution, many critics fear, might increase the powers of the president beyond limits leading to loss of democratic principles.[/su_pullquote]
Considering the status quo, especially after the failed military coup in July, the politics of Turkey under President Erdogan has seen dramatic changes. One such incident occurred recently on 15th January 2017, when the Turkish parliament approved the passage of the new constitution amendments during the first round of voting. The controversial 18-article new constitution, many critics fear, might increase the powers of the president beyond limits leading to loss of democratic principles.
What is the controversial bill about?
Turkey follows parliamentary democracy where the Prime Minister serves as the head of the Government and the President is the head of the state. But the changes in the constitution suggest a change in the system leading to the abolishment of the post of Prime Minister. Instead, there will be at least one Vice-President who will work under the President. The changes will also grant the President with powers to appoint and dismiss ministers.
Erdogen’s reign seem to be slowly leading Turkey away from its democratic roots | Photo Courtesy- CNNTurkey is in a state of emergency ever since the coup in July 2016. The constitutional amendments will also give the president more scope for declaring an emergency. The bill also contains the proposal of ending the judicial independence and allowing the President to interfere with the working of the judiciary.
Though the major opposition parties are accusing the government of trying to implement an authoritarian regime, the first reading of the bill got passed with the three-fifth majority following the support of other smaller parties such as the nationalist MHP.
Quest for more power: The other side of the story?
[su_pullquote align=”right”]Turkey, especially under Erdogen’s rule, one of the most censored countries around the globe.[/su_pullquote]
Since Erdogans rise in politics in 2003, he has been criticised multiple times by regional and international organisations regarding his way of leadership. Turkey is already one of the most censored countries around the globe. The year of 2013 saw immense protests against Government corruptions, some of them included the President himself. This led to a downfall in Mr. Erdogan and his conservative partys popularity.
In fact, many including Fethullah Gulen, the infamous Islamic cleric living in exile in Pennsylvania who was once an ally of Mr. Erdogan, claim that the President staged the military coup in order to increase his popularity and to gain more power.
It didnt come as a surprise when the ongoing emergency was used to crack down on many opposition voices including several media outlets. Erdogan used the opportunity wisely. With the alleged failed coup by a faction of military leadership, a new wave of jingoism has grappled the country increasing the President’s grip. With the world already going through tough times, a dictatorial regime may not be in the best interest for a peaceful future of the middle-east.
Featured Image Courtesy: Times
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