‘Yes’ camp fails to explain reasons behind proposed amendments: CHP

ANKARA

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The ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) has failed to provide sufficient answers to the question of why the proposed constitutional amendments are necessary, main opposition Republican People’s Party (AKP) leader Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu has said, calling on citizens to say “no” in the April 16 referendum “in order to protect the republic.”

“We have not been provided with an answer to the question why this constitutional amendment is being made. The answer to this question was avoided by insults. Since our questions are left unanswered, we will give a strong answer altogether. We will write an epic of democracy by saying ‘no’ altogether. I believe that,” Kılıçdaroğlu said in Istanbul on April 14, two days before the referendum on the constitutional amendment which could usher in an executive presidency.

“I am calling out our citizens, let’s protect the republic. Let’s not waste the equality of opportunities and equality before the law in with a single vote,” he said.

“My citizens who are affiliated with the AKP, MHP [Nationalist Movement Party], HDP [Peoples’ Democratic Party], Saadet Partisi [Felicity Party], let’s protect our republic. If a new dynasty is needed in this country, let’s ask all together why,” he said, listing the articles of constitutional amendment charter. 

“With Articles 7 and 8, a leader of a political party will be the head of the Turkish Armed Forces, which should be neutral. Why? [with the same articles] a leader of a political party, which will also be president, will be given authority to determine national security policy. Why?” he asked.

“With Article 8, the president, who will be a leader of a political party, will determine all the appointment criteria [of state officials] by himself. Why? The president will be given the authority to issue decrees on all subjects related to economic and social issues. Why?” he added.

“With Articles 7 and 12, the president who will be a leader of a political party, will be given the authority to declare a state of emergency and rule the country by himself with the state of emergency decrees that he will issue. With this authority, the safety of life and property of 80 million people is entrusted to a single person,” he said.

“While 276 votes was enough to refer corrupted ministers to the Supreme Court in the current constitution, with Article 9 of the amendment, a requirement for 400 votes will be implemented. Why this insuperable shield?” he added.   

“With Articles 7 and 14, the authority to appoint judges, and the opportunity to bring the judiciary under control, will be given to the leader of a political party who will appoint 12 members of the 15-member Constitutional Court, one of four members of the Council of State and half of the Supreme Board of Judges and Prosecutors. Why?” he asked.