New constitution crucial for Turkey's future, says PM

By Emin Avundukluoglu

IZMIR, Turkey

The changes required for a brighter future of Turkey cannot be made through the current constitution, Prime Minister Binali Yildirim said Wednesday.

The country’s current constitution was formed in 1983 following a military coup in 1980.

Speaking at a meeting in Turkey's western Izmir province on the upcoming referendum on constitutional reforms, Yildirim said: "It is impossible to carry out the changes [needed for Turkey's future] with a constitution from the 80s.

"The current system is inadequate for the development of democracy and for further [economic] growth of Turkey."

He said nobody had the right to prevent Turkey's economic growth and development. "You will open the door to Turkey's bright future through your votes on April 16.

"You will allow Turkey to step into the new age [with your Yes votes]."

Constitutional reform and the change to a presidential system has been on the political agenda since Recep Tayyip Erdogan, a former prime minister and Justice and Development (AK) Party leader, was elected president in August 2014.

This marked the first time a Turkish president had been directly chosen by popular vote.

On Jan. 20, Turkish lawmakers from the ruling AK Party and the opposition Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) voted in favor of a new constitutional reform package.

Aside from the change to an executive presidency, other reforms include allowing the president to maintain party political affiliation.

There will be changes to Turkey’s highest judicial body, which would be renamed while retaining its independence and own budget.