Daily Times

ANKARA: Turkey will hold a referendum this spring on dramatically expanding President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s powers after a parliamentary vote early Saturday backed changes that could leave him in power until 2029.

The government insists the proposals to create an executive presidency will ensure simpler and more effective leadership, but critics fear they will edge Turkey towards one-man rule.

Hours after the bill was approved, Erdogan said the “real (and) final decision” would be made by the people in a referendum, expected to be held in April.

Parliament approved a new 18-article constitution, which includes the presidency changes, in a final vote, which saw 339 in favour and 142 against.

Each article was put to a vote in the 550-seat parliament, where the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) enjoys a comfortable majority of 317, including the speaker. At least 330 votes – a three-fifths majority – were needed to adopt the changes.

Speaking to supporters in Istanbul, Erdogan said he believed they would “move towards the future by working night and day” for the referendum campaign.

The bill would create an executive presidency for the first time in modern Turkey, giving the head of state the power to hire and fire ministers.

It would also abolish the post of prime minister for the first time, with the position to be replaced with a vice president, or perhaps several.

The changes prompted fractious debates with the assembly witnessing some of the worst fighting in years, including one altercation, which broke out on Thursday after independent lawmaker Aylin Nazliaka handcuffed herself to the microphone.

The bill would allow parliamentary elections and presidential ballots to be held at the same time, with the draft giving November 3, 2019 as the poll date.

Prime Minister Binali Yildirim said the changes would allow for a “sole power that would be strong”, meaning a more decisive approach to solving problems.