Turkish PM signals ‘normalization’ after failed coup bid

Meeting with the MKYK and Central Executive Board (MYK) members of his party, Yıldırım said that state of emergency decree laws would be sent to parliament in a month and discussed when parliament reopens in October, as some MKYK members argued that the laws should be discussed. 

“The opposition, especially the CHP [main opposition Republican People’s Party], will have suggestions, especially on the structuring of the TSK [Turkish Armed Forces],” said Yıldırım. 

Yıldırm also urged parliamentarians to refrain from sending new regulations and said it should conclude its work as soon as possible. 

“Civil servant days off will be freed shortly as well. As of Monday [Aug. 8], construction machines in front of military posts will be removed,” said Yıldırım, adding that such a practice was regarded as a lack of trust in soldiers. 

Yıldırm also briefed the members on his meetings with the CHP and Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) leaders, saying that all three agreed on a “mini constitutional change.”

“During my meeting with [CHP head Kemal] Kılıçdaroğlu, he said, ‘If you are going to bring in a presidential system, let me tell from the beginning, we are against it,’ and I said, ‘Then you suggest the parliamentarian system you defend, and let us present it as two separate packages.’ But I know they do not lean toward it,” said Yıldırım, adding that he had assigned Deputy Prime Minister Nurattin Canikli for the talks with the opposition and that they would share the decisions taken with these parties.