ANKARA, Turkey (AP) – Turkey’s president started campaigning Saturday for constitutional reforms that would greatly expand the powers of his office, hours after a vote in parliament cleared the way for a national referendum on the issue.
Speaking in Istanbul, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan hailed the assembly’s early-morning decision.
“God willing, the people will give the true decision, the final decision” that he said would catapult Turkey to a stronger position.
In an all-night session that ended two weeks of acrimonious debate, the reform bill cleared the minimum threshold necessary for a final approval in a national referendum. A public vote is likely to take place by mid-April, according to ruling Justice and Development Party officials.
The decision marks a victory for Erdogan, a polarizing but overall popular figure, who has long advocated a strong presidency that would turn Turkey into a powerhouse.