Presidential system ‘not federalism’

ANKARA

The presidential system is a must for political stability, Bozdağ says. AA photo

The ruling party’s proposed presidential system does not in any way amount to implementing federalism in Turkey, Deputy Prime Minister Bekir Bozdağ has stressed, adding that the system aimed to make the principle of the separation of powers more secure.

“The presidential system is a must for strong political stability and for an influential legislation and executive, as well as for an independent judiciary,” Bozdağ said in an interview with broadcaster Kanal 24 yesterday.

Also dismissing claims that their proposal aimed to undermine the unitary regime of the country, Bozdağ said those arguments were fabricated by those who opposed the government’s initiative to end the problem of terrorism in the country. “It’s very obvious that the AK Party’s proposal is to protect the unitary structure,” he said, adding that public opinion was very favorable in this regard.

The people’s support for the process aiming to solve the terrorism problem and Kurdish issue was around 60 to 70 percent, Bozdağ said, adding that those who support the presidential system was 35 percent with the majority still undecided. “That’s because of the lack of information. Public debates will overcome this,” he added.