AKP to bring up new draft constitution in early 2022, says Erdoğan

In an unprecedented way, the judicial year opened with prayers (Photo: AA)

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President and Justice and Development Party (AKP) Chair Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has said that they plan to introduce the new draft constitution early next year.

Speaking at the opening ceremony of the new judicial year and the opening of the new Court of Cassation building yesterday (September 1), Erdoğan said, "Together with our partner in the People's Alliance, we are gradually shaping our preparations."

The Nationalist Movement Party (MHP), the AKP's ally, announced in May that it had completed its draft constitution. The two parties have been in talks for a new constitution since early this year.

"We would like to make the preparations for the Constitution together with all political parties. We believe that we will come up with a reasonable text that will be endorsed by the vast majority of our nation, that has internal consistency and that will meet our country's needs in the medium and long term.

"We expect other parties to announce their draft constitutions in the coming months. If the possibility of negotiating these drafts and creating a joint text arises, it will be a big gain for Turkey. However, our experience in the past and the present tone [of the opposition] do not give us much hope in this regard.

"No matter what, we are determined to present our preparations to the appreciation of our nation in the first months of next year."

The president also said that a new judicial reform package will be introduced soon.

In an unprecedented way, the judicial year opened with prayers by Court of Cassation President Mehmet Akarca, President Erdoğan and President of Religious Affairs Ali Erbaş.

The opening ceremony coincided with the opening of the new building of the Court of Cassation. (AS/VK)