Türkiye Charts Course Back to Parliamentary Democracy

Vision for Restored Separation of Powers and Rule of Law Outlined

Türkiye’s political landscape is undergoing a critical re-evaluation, with a strong push to revert from the current “single-man regime” presidential system. Proponents argue this shift is essential for revitalizing democracy, the judiciary, and national prosperity.

Critique of Current Governance

The current system, established after the 2016 coup attempt and constitutional amendments, is blamed for severely weakening parliamentary oversight. The ability of the Grand National Assembly to legislate, control budgets, and supervise the executive has been significantly curtailed. The president, now politically aligned, exerts substantial influence over legislative lists and executive functions.

A central tenet of the criticism is the executive’s dominance over the judiciary. Changes to the Council of Judges and Prosecutors have reportedly undermined judicial independence, with state appointments now heavily influenced by a single decision-maker, eroding merit-based criteria.

A Roadmap for Reform

The proposed reforms aim to dismantle the “Super Presidency” model and re-establish a robust separation of powers. Key proposals include the abolition of presidential boards, transferring their powers to relevant ministries, and bolstering the parliament’s role.

The plan emphasizes restoring legislative control mechanisms, such as general debates and questions, and strengthening the parliament’s budgetary authority. Furthermore, it seeks to end practices like the “Bag Law” to ensure fair legislative processes.

Plans are in motion to democratize the current presidential system while transitioning back to a parliamentary model. This involves limiting executive powers through legal changes or constitutional amendments, thereby empowering the legislature and ensuring judicial independence.

The push for reform also seeks to decentralize power by abolishing trustee appointments in local governments. Instead, mayors removed before judicial processes conclude will be reinstated, respecting voter mandates. Municipalities will also receive enhanced administrative, financial, and political support to foster democratic pluralism.

Revitalizing the Judiciary and Rule of Law

A cornerstone of the proposed overhaul is a deep judicial reform. The objective is to render the judiciary neutral, independent, and subservient to the rule of law. This includes reinforcing constitutional audit mechanisms and ensuring that all executive actions are subject to judicial review.

Reforms to the Council of Judges and Prosecutors (HSK) are intended to guarantee judicial independence. The principle of a natural judge will be respected, and geographical impartiality will guide judge and prosecutor appointments. Crucially, judges and prosecutors will not be reassigned during ongoing trials.

The reforms also target the creation of an environment where citizens can freely express their opinions without fear of reprisal. This involves amending laws that restrict freedom of expression, such as those pertaining to insults and disinformation, and preventing arbitrary application of such statutes.

The plan also seeks to curb the misuse of force by law enforcement during public gatherings, ensuring adherence to international human rights standards. Additionally, it aims to lift prohibitions on strikes, thereby safeguarding trade union rights and strengthening employees’ collective bargaining power.

Ensuring Fair Elections and Media Freedom

To foster a level playing field in political competition and guarantee voter intent is accurately reflected, reforms to the Political Parties Law are envisioned. The Supreme Election Council (YSK) would be made independent to secure election integrity. Practices that benefit ruling parties during election periods are to be eliminated.

Fair access to financial resources and media for political parties is a key objective. Campaign finance transparency will be enhanced, with state aid distributed equitably. The proposed “political morality law” aims to promote clean politics and combat corruption effectively.

Political parties will only face closure based on individual responsibility, moving away from ambiguous accusations. The practice of appointing trustees to replace elected mayors will cease, protecting the electorate’s will from bureaucratic or judicial interference.

Media freedom and freedom of expression are central to the reform agenda. Measures will be implemented to end pressure on journalists and align press freedom with universal standards. Media ownership transparency will be enforced, preventing the misuse of media influence for economic or political gain.

A new media law will address both digital and traditional platforms, potentially requiring digital giants like Google and Meta to share advertising revenue with local media. Algorithmic transparency for digital platforms will be encouraged to ensure fair competition for content creators.

Autonomizing Regulatory Bodies and Strengthening Local Governance

The reform blueprint stresses the need for autonomous, accountable, and transparent regulatory and supervisory institutions. These bodies, including RTÜK, the Central Bank (CBRT), and the Banking Regulation and Supervision Agency (BRSA), are to be freed from political pressure and executive tutelage.

Appointments to these institutions will prioritize transparent and supervised processes, with mandatory education and experience requirements for managers and board members. This aims to ensure objective decision-making, fostering confidence and strengthening the investment climate.

Local governments, seen as vital for deepening democracy, will be granted greater administrative, financial, and political authority. The current trend of transferring powers from local entities to the presidency or ministries will be reversed.

The reforms propose ensuring fair budget allocations and resource transfers to municipalities, safeguarding their financial autonomy. To promote participatory democracy, neighborhood councils, local referendums, and city councils will be activated.

The proponents of these reforms argue that welfare, justice, and democracy are intrinsically linked. They contend that prosperity is unattainable without justice and democracy, and that a state grounded in justice fosters social peace and economic growth. The goal is to create an environment where citizens can thrive, attract investment, and reverse brain and capital drain.

The vision presented is one where economic improvement is a direct consequence of these reforms, leading to widespread prosperity and a focus on a strong future for all 86 million citizens.