In an exclusive interview with Sabah newspaper, Justice and Development Party (AK Party) Istanbul deputy Ali Sarıkaya, who also served as the chief adviser to Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoğlu, said the presidential system is the most efficient system for Turkey and criticized the country's parliamentary system for being a shelter for a system of tutelage.
Underscoring that the presidential system has not been widely discussed in the country, Sarıkaya stated the opposition parties in the Turkish Parliament have adopted a dogmatic stance against the presidential system.
"This stance is preventing the presidential system from being discussed thoroughly. But still, we will inform our nation of the reasons why a presidential system is suitable for Turkey," added Sarıkaya.
He asserted that the current parliamentary system functions as a medium for the tutelage and that those who are against the presidential system are only trying to prevent reform in the country.
"The parliamentary system is the shelter of last resort for those who support tutelage. Political tutelage benefits from a coalition government since politics weaken and persons other than politicians get the opportunity to stand out. That is why we need to institutionalize democracy in Turkey," said the AK Party Istanbul deputy.
He further noted that the level of discord between the president and the prime minister stands at its highest level during the AK Party's term, compared to the political terms seen in the country before the AK Party came into power.
Touching on the presidential system schedule, Sarıkaya stated that the Constitutional Conciliation Committee, including three members from each political party, will work on the drafting of a new Turkish Constitution and, in the event that the committee does not come to an agreement, the AK Party may share its own proposition with the public and later submit it to Parliament.
Sarıkaya also noted that a presidential system would provide definitive basic parameters, underlining, "The Presidential system is based on the absolute separation of legislative and executive powers in politics and fortifying both separately."
He added that the AK Party views the presidential system as a comprehensive way to eradicate current sociopolitical problems, as well as representative and administrative issues.
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