Turkish prime minister supports presidential system

ANKARA – Anadolu Agency

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The parliamentary system in Turkey must change in favor of a presidential system, Turkish Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoğlu has said - a move persistently requested by the Turkish president in recent months.

"A presidential system is the right thing for Turkey,"Davutoğlu said late on March 27 in an interview with broadcaster Habertürk in Ankara. 

He also denied media reports that said he and President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan were at odds over the idea.

"The system in Turkey is neither parliamentary, nor presidential nor half-presidential," Davutoğlu said.

According to the prime minister the political system in Turkey must be a clear parliamentary  system or a clear presidential one, so whoever has power is held accountable.

"Since the evolution toward the presidential system is essential, this issue will also take place in our election manifesto,” he added. 

"I have personally written how the presidential system will take place in the election manifesto."

Turkey will vote in a parliamentary election on June 7 in polls seen as a test for the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) for a possible future change in constitution in favor of a presidential system.