Erdogan wants to be the president and the prime minister at the same time

The Turkish parliament has approved a bill  on a major expansion of presidential powers. The bill abolishes the post of prime minister and the president becomes both the chief executive and the head of state with the right at any time to appoint an election or to introduce a state of emergency in the country. His decrees  also automatically will gain the force of law.

For the new bill voted 339 deputies, 142 voted against. However, any amendments to the constitution require the support of 367 MPs, therefore, the proposal on the reform will be put to a referendum, which will take place in early April.

The fight over changing the basic law polarized the Turkish society. Erdogan Supporters insist on the need to consolidate power in the hands of the president in the face of the worsening political and economic instability, its opponents point to the danger of concentrating power in the hands of man, who has resorted to repression against his opponents among politicians, journalists, scientists and public figures. -02D-