ANKARA, Turkey (AP) – Turkey’s prime minister on Thursday moved closer to an agreement with the country’s nationalist party over constitutional reforms that would usher in a system expanding President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s powers.
Prime Minister Binali Yildirim’s government is seeking the support of Nationalist Movement Party, or MHP, for a vote in parliament that would pave the way for a referendum giving the largely ceremonial presidency full executive powers.
Opposition parties have opposed a presidential system, since they fear it would allow Erdogan to rule unchecked. But MHP leader Devlet Bahceli has switched positions and recently voiced his party’s support.
Speaking after the meeting “to smooth over” differences on the proposed changes, Bahceli said the talks had been positive. The prime minister said the ruling party would be putting the final touches of a proposal that will be submitted to parliament next week with the agreement of the MHP.
“The laws are clear. They foresee a referendum 60 days after the parliamentary process is completed,” Yildirim said. “If everything goes to plan, God willing, (a referendum) can take place in the beginning of summer.”