Turkish public to debate presidential system says Erdogan

ANKARA

The public should comment on the kind of presidential system suitable for Turkey, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said late Wednesday.

“What is this presidential system? Let the nation, academics and politicians discuss that,” he said in an interview broadcast by A Haber and ATV channels.

“Will it be a benefit for our country or a loss? As a matter of fact, the system crisis lies behind many issues. We should get rid of this system crisis.”

Referring to the G20 summit hosted by Turkey earlier this week, he added: “The vast majority of G20 countries are ruled by a presidential system. It can be seen as a success at that point.”

Refuting suggestions that he sought to consolidate his own power, Erdogan said it was a “matter for the nation.”

The possible introduction of a presidential system in Turkey, which has had a parliamentary system since the early 1920s, is a controversial subject that was raised by Erdogan after he won the presidential vote in August last year.

It was widely debated in the June general election, when it was supported by the Justice and Development (AK) Party, but was not such a prominent issue in the November rerun.

The constitutional change required would have to be approved by a referendum.

The current constitution was drafted in 1982 following a military takeover and has undergone several amendments since.

Turning to security issues, Erdogan said Daesh was an internal and external threat to Turkey.

“A step against Daesh with coalition forces is on the agenda,” he said. “This will be done. Why? Because it is a threat element. When will it be done is another issue.”

He reiterated Turkey’s calls for a no flight zone to protect a safe zone for refugees in northern Syria.

He added that the train and equip program was still operating to produce troops to oppose Daesh on the ground in Syria.