Erdogan asks followers to support referendum campaign

ISTANBUL

Turkish President asked Saturday his followers in Istanbul to support the constitutional change in an upcoming referendum.

Speaking at the opening ceremony of a new Metro line in Istanbul’s Pendik district, Recep Tayyip Erdogan said: “I believe that you will walk to the future by working day and night in this campaign for the referendum.”

Turkish parliament voted in favor a new constitutional amendment bill early Saturday. A referendum is expected to be held early April following Erdogan’s approval in the coming days.

“Now I hope the nation will make a real decision,” he said.

Proposed changes to the constitution require a simple majority in the referendum. Replacing Turkey’s current parliamentary system with a presidential one is the question expected to be submitted to the electorate.

Erdogan and his supporters have argued that Turkey needs a strong presidency to avoid weak governance and allow the country to successfully tackle a number of challenges, including terror attacks from Daesh, the PKK and the Fetullah Terrorist Organization (FETO).

Opponents claim it will weaken democratic checks and lead to increased authoritarianism.

ISTANBUL

Turkish President asked Saturday his followers in Istanbul to support the constitutional change in an upcoming referendum.

Turkish parliament voted in favor a new constitutional amendment bill early Saturday. A referendum is expected to be held early April following Erdogan’s approval in the coming days.

“Now I hope the nation will make a real decision,” he said.

Opponents claim it will weaken democratic checks and lead to increased authoritarianism.