The headband debate, which began with CHP chief Kılıçdaroğlu’s proposal “Let’s present authorized safety to the headband”, and flared up with President Erdoğan’s “If it is boring, let’s take this matter to a referendum, let the nation determine” is now on the political agenda. President Erdoğan introduced that the constitutional modification proposal for the headband and household will probably be submitted to the Presidency of the Grand Nationwide Meeting of Turkey within the coming days. The proposal will come to the Common Meeting of the Parliament after the discussions on the Constitutional Fee. If the a part of the proposal relating to the headband stays between 360 and 400 votes, the way in which for a referendum will probably be opened. Effectively, if this risk occurs, when will the referendum be held? How does the method work?
I requested these two questions that everybody in Ankara puzzled about, to the Speaker of the Grand Nationwide Meeting of Turkey, Mustafa Şentop. Right here is his reply: “I will not go into polemics, however usually, if a constitutional modification is to be made, it ought to obtain a minimum of 360 votes within the Parliament. If it does not exceed 400 then it has to go to a referendum by necessity. If it exceeds 400, it isn’t obligatory, however the President can take it to a referendum. Technically, that is the way in which it’s. So it is a political determination. It’s helpful and vital to current the opinion of the general public on a topic that has been mentioned in Turkey for years. As a political determination, it may be mentioned, ‘Let’s do that too’. The timing subject is clarified throughout the framework of the dates when the proposal is submitted, the dates of the conferences within the fee and the final meeting. As an alternative of doing this earlier than the elections in a referendum course of, perhaps it may be thought of collectively if it will likely be accomplished. I do not assume there’s something flawed with it.”
Concrete steps anticipated from Sweden and Finland
In our dialog with the Speaker of the Grand Nationwide Meeting of Turkey Şentop, we additionally talked concerning the scenario of Sweden and Finland, that are ready for Turkey’s approval to turn into NATO members. Şentop, who met with the officers of the 2 international locations in Croatia final week, underlines that he reminds his interlocutors that Turkey expects concrete steps and continues: “Each Finland and Sweden connect nice significance to NATO membership. They undoubtedly need to be in NATO. Why are they so keen? As a result of they care about their security. That is why we’re in NATO. We remind them of this and say: ‘Why ought to we glance with indulgence in the direction of international locations that assist a terrorist group that threatens our safety?’ In September, at their request, we spoke with the heads of parliaments of the 2 international locations by way of videoconference. This time, it looks like just a little extra distance has been taken, though not very concrete issues. Particularly the change of presidency in Sweden and the dedication of the brand new prime minister in comparison with the opposite is vital. They are saying they’ll adjust to the settlement necessities. By the way in which, allow us to emphasize that the NATO membership of those two international locations consists of a three-stage course of. A memorandum of understanding was signed on behalf of the federal government, however this alone will not be sufficient. This has not but come to Parliament. After it arrives, it will likely be voted on first within the fee after which within the basic meeting. Then the President has to signal it once more. In different phrases, the section of signature, approval and approval. Solely one in every of these three has been handed. We’ve proven our good intentions, and it’s crucial that they take concrete steps that may persuade us.”
Paradigms collapsed
Şentop identified that the establishments main the world, particularly the United Nations, couldn’t discover a answer to the current meals and power crises and wars: “We’re going by way of a interval by which not solely establishments however paradigms have collapsed. The paradigms put ahead by the victors after the Second World Warfare and the constructions they established have now collapsed. When our President mentioned, ‘The world is larger than 5’, it initially appeared like a fantasy. However at this level, we see that the United Nations itself has initiated a reform, and the President of the USA has talked about growing the variety of 5 everlasting members within the Safety Council. The United Nations couldn’t present any presence within the Russia-Ukraine battle. The system is clogged.”
The notion of Turkey overseas is totally different.
“It’s essential to ask those that criticize Turkey’s present scenario: When was the final time you went overseas? Have you ever had political contacts overseas? Have you ever talked to universities and representatives of the general public? You can’t type an goal opinion about Turkey by sitting at residence and simply watching tv. The notion of Turkey overseas is all the time totally different. In all places we go, we see an awesome curiosity and appreciation in the direction of Turkey and our President. This nation has all the time had a better space of affect and affect than its geographical borders point out. That is what makes us sturdy.”
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