Opposition MHP prepares booklet on constitutional change


As Turkey heads toward a referendum on the constitutional amendment package that includes the introduction of a presidential system, a booklet prepared by the opposition Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) for the "yes" campaign clarifies the need for the constitutional amendment package. Conveying the message that the MHP would say "yes" to the constitutional change in order to secure the presence of the Turkish nation on the world stage and to advance Turkey's sovereignty, based on the idea that the parliamentary system has become a problem.

The booklet explains the MHP's decision to vote "yes" in the upcoming referendum based on five key sections that address the current constitution's needed changes and the content of the new presidential system, emphasizing the national will.In the first section of the booklet, titled, "Constitutional Amendment and the Nationalist Movement Party," it is stated that the MHP has contributed to the constitutional amendment package to strengthen both democracy and an effective, balanced governmental system, while summarizing the principles of the new governmental system.

Underlying that the amendment package does not include any changes regarding the first four articles of the Turkish Constitution, which are the tenants of the principles of the Turkish Republic, the booklet indicates that the MHP's redlines were respected throughout the constitutional amendment-making process. Under the section titled, "The Turkish Constitution according to the Nationalist Movement Party," it is emphasized that there are no changes and no variance in understanding regarding the constitution in the eyes of the MHP.The booklet further pointed out that the current parliamentary system has caused crises due to the two-headed executive system, which does not work efficiently. In the section titled, "The Current System's Problems and the Need for Change in the System of Government," the booklet also includes a statement from MHP leader Devlet Bahçeli that reads, "When the political tutelage and the role of the president who is at the top of the state are contradicted within the scope of the law, a situation develops that is very dangerous for the future of Turkey, as seen in Turkey's recent survival struggle."

Furthermore, the booklet also says what is new in the constitutional change in the section titled, "The Fundamentals of Constitutional Change and Basic Characteristics of the New System." In the last section of the booklet titled, "Power and Administration in the Hands of the Turkish Nation," it says that the Turkish nation, which is without question sovereign,n would make the final decision and set the course for its own future.

A statement from Bahçeli, which reads, "We did not make a mistake, thus, we have not gotten into a flap. We say ‘yes' [to the referendum] for the nation, for the Republic as well as for the existence of Turkishness," is featured at the end of the booklet.