In a recent address, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan unequivocally stated that he has no intention of running for re-election. His comments come amid ongoing discussions about a new constitution for Turkey.
The Turkish president emphasised that the push for a new constitution is not driven by his personal political future but by the need to reshape the country’s legal framework for its benefit. “We want the new constitution not for ourselves, but for our country,” he remarked, addressing concerns that the reform process might be a ploy to extend his presidency.
Erdoğan also extended an invitation to opposition parties, particularly the Republican People’s Party (CHP), to collaborate on the constitutional overhaul. “Let’s join hands for the new constitution,” he said, adding that there were no significant disagreements on the first four articles of the current constitution. “There is no issue with the first four articles. Our party has no problem with them, and neither do most other political parties,” he stated.
In addition, Erdoğan addressed the growing influence of the pro-Kurdish Peoples’ Equality and Democracy (DEM) Party, commenting that the party was becoming more politically active as it distanced itself from what he called military control. “As it breaks free from the constraints of military tutelage, the DEM Party is seizing new opportunities to advance its political cause,” Erdoğan remarked.
Turning to the subject of by-elections, Erdoğan dismissed calls from the leader of the main opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP), Özgür Özel, stating that there was no need for a by-election in the Turkish Grand National Assembly. He added: “The empty or filled seats you currently have are enough. Make the best use of them.”
As discussions on the potential overhaul of Turkey’s constitution continue, Erdoğan’s comments address a major concern among opposition supporters, who have expressed worries about the possibility of his re-election.
