Turkish president’s office structurally reorganized: Report

ANKARA

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Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has signed a decree that changes the institutional structure of the presidential office, paving the way for the establishment of a “shadow cabinet” that will work under Erdoğan and monitor the work of the Cabinet led by Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoğlu.

The decree, however, was drafted as a “secret decree,” meaning that it was not published in the Official Gazette as it goes into force, despite having been signed by President Erdoğan on Dec. 9, daily Hürriyet reported.

There were previously four directorate-generals in the presidential office in charge of administrative and financial affairs, institutional communication, informatics technologies and human resources.

With the new decree going into force, the number of these departments increased from four to 13. The new departments will be in charge of a wide range of affairs such as homeland security, external relations, economy, defense, investment monitoring, energy and social affairs. An additional communication center will also be set up at the presidential office.

Reports to be drafted by each directorate-general will be introduced to the deputy secretary-general of the office and then presented to Erdoğan.

In the run-up to the presidential election in August, which he won in the first round, Erdoğan repeatedly stated that the current Constitution grants “executive power” to a president who comes to office through popular vote, just as the 1982 Constitution granted “executive power” to the 1980 military coup leader Kenan Evren.

Last month, Erdoğan announced his intention to chair a Cabinet meeting before the end of 2014, underlining once again that this is a constitutional right granted to the head of the Turkish state.

“These authorities are already in the Constitution. Not using that authority would not be appropriate. God willing, we will use that authority too,” Erdoğan said, after being reminded that although he was elected in late August he has still yet to chair the Cabinet, somewhat contrary to expectations.

“Of course, I do [intend to chair a Cabinet meeting]. God willing, we will enter 2015 in that way,” Erdoğan added.