The Justice and Development Party (AK Party) is working on an internal regulations amendment of five or six clauses for Parliament in order to prevent discussions in the General Assembly from coming to a halt. These amendments aim to address problematic parliamentary bylaws and practices such as constantly proposing motions during the General Assembly to sabotaging talks, improving the effectiveness of Parliament in the process. While the AK Party had previously proposed a complete overhaul of the parliamentary bylaws, it was received negatively by the opposition, despite their harsh criticism of the regulations. Instead of totally abandoning the reforms, the AK Party opted for a smaller but possibly more effective reform package.
According to sources within the party, the AK Party will propose the forming of a Procedure Commission to determine the time limit for each discussion about a draft or proposed law. Moreover, the amendment will limit how many deputies can take the floor during a seating, proportionate to seats possessed by their party. Touching on one of the most hampering parliamentary processes, the amendment will implement a restriction on party group proposals. It is suggested that every party will be allowed to delegate one of their deputies as a speaker who will have a five minute time limit to explain their proposal. Lastly, per the opposition's request, a TV channel dedicated to parliamentary discussions could be established. Currently, parliamentary discussions are broadcasted on a state channel, which serves as a part-time sports channel.
The first contact regarding this issue occurred between AK Party Group Deputy Chairman Mustafa Elitaş and Özgür Özel, his Republican People's Party (CHP) counterpart. Özel said that they are willing to discuss internal regulations if the live feed of parliamentary talks was broadcasted on a dedicated channel. Elitaş replied to Özel that he will discuss this matter with Prime Minister Binali Yıldırım and convey his party's decision to Özel.
