Ankara, Turkey – September 16, 2024

The ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) has proposed a series of constitutional amendments aimed at strengthening the powers of the presidency, further consolidating President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s grip on power. The proposed changes would grant the president greater control over the judiciary and the ability to appoint more officials without parliamentary approval. Additionally, the amendments would allow the president to serve up to three consecutive terms, potentially extending Erdogan’s rule until 2034.

Opposition parties have criticized the move, saying it would undermine Turkey’s democratic checks and balances and further erode the separation of powers. The AKP needs 360 votes in the 600-seat parliament to pass the amendments, and has already secured support from its nationalist allies. The proposed amendments come as Erdogan faces growing economic challenges and declining popularity ahead of the 2025 presidential election.

Critics argue that the changes would cement Erdogan’s authoritarian rule and undermine Turkey’s democratic institutions. “This is a clear power grab by Erdogan,” said Kemal Kilicdaroglu, leader of the main opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP). “We will not support these amendments.” In contrast, AKP spokesperson Omer Celik argued that “the proposed changes will strengthen Turkey’s stability and prosperity.”

The move has sparked concerns among Turkey’s Western allies, who have already expressed unease over Erdogan’s increasingly authoritarian tendencies. As the debate over the amendments intensifies, Turkey’s political landscape is likely to become even more polarized in the lead-up to the 2025 election.