Presidential system seen as essential to improving economic governance, reform

The top 10 benefits of a presidential system for the Turkish economy were listed by Finance Minister Naci Ağbal Monday. The minister claimed that the system will boost the economy, guarantee stability, and positively affect foreign investors



Finance Minister Naci Ağbal has clarified 10 reasons why a presidential system would be beneficial for the economy. As the government readies to offer a proposal to Parliament, which includes changing the constitution and switching to the presidential system, the pros and cons of the system are being discussed by politicians and economists. Ağbal claimed that the system will help economic growth gain momentum as well as guarantee stability, create a positive atmosphere for foreign investors and pave the way for structural reforms.Switching from a parliamentary system to a presidential system has been a hot topic in Turkish politics since former Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan became the country's first president elected by popular vote in August 2014. Two weeks ago, Prime Minister Binali Yıldırım said that the need for a new constitution in Turkey has become an urgent matter under current circumstances, underlining that the Justice and Development Party (AK Party) will soon present the proposal, which includes the presidential system, to Parliament. The proposal will also include the establishment of a new constitution to replace the existing one that was drafted after the Sept. 12, 1980 coup.Finance Minister Ağbal expects the presidential system to support the government's 2023 goals, which include becoming one of the top 10 economies in the world by 2023, the centennial of the foundation of the Republic, and to increase annual Turkish exports to $500 billion by 2053. The significant benefit of the new system is quicker decision-making processes. Speaking to Sabah daily, Ağbal said he believes if a referendum were to be held, the majority would vote "yes" to the presidential system.Finance Minister Naci Ağbal explained the presidential system is necessary if Turkey is to be included among the world's most powerful economies.Economic momentum will rise: We need to move to the presidential system. It will increase the economic and political momentum in Turkey.Perception of uncertainty will end: A perception of uncertainty has hung over the presidential system within and outside the country. When a new system is adopted, citizens will find this change positive. Positive expectations in this direction will greatly affect the economy.Decisions will speed up: One of the most critical issues in the economy is fast decision-making. If the amendment is set to be made on the constitution brings a powerful presidential system, the ability to make quick decisions will emerge in the economy. The difference between the AK Party and other ruling parties is its ability to make rapid decisions. Despite being this powerful, the parliamentary system is unable to make decisions rapidly. In terms of parliamentary stability, we seem to be progressing backward.The guarantee of political stability: If there is political stability, economic stability comes along. The presidential system guarantees political stability. It will also bring stability to economic policies and increase the executive force. In Turkey, a country with great potential, increased political power will make serious contributions. It is widely accepted that a parliamentary democracy cannot last due to its flawed internal structure.It will reinforce the external transformation: Turkey's power to transform itself externally will be reinforced. People will be able to take a stand against the external market in accordance with a powerful political figure. If the structure is weak and fragmented, the external market will be greatly affected.A must for 2023 vision: One of the main reasons behind the problems in the 1990s was coalitions and weak political parties. If Turkey is to catch the 2023 and 2053 visions, a political system that will bring out strong power should be established.A forward-looking and strong signal: Execution of the presidential system in Turkey will give forward-looking strong signals ino economics. Local dynamics will strengthen within the concept of development.It will create a positive energy: A positive outcome can be foreseen in favor of a referendum. Current discussions have caused an amazingly positive energy that is expected to continue for the next couple of years and work to create a positive economic perception.It will pave the way for structural reforms: The presidential system is very favorable when it comes to a progressive structural reform since the presidential system will be the main dynamic to pave the way for future structure reforms.