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Erdogan’s Bigger Game: Change the Constitution

Prime Minister Erdogan seeks to rewrite the constitution and change the country's parliamentary system into a presidential one with consequences for Turkish democracy, Tulin Daloglu writes for Al-Monitor.
Turkey's Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan addresses the media in Ankara April 5, 2012. Erdogan announced on Thursday a new incentive scheme aimed at reducing Turkey's gaping current account deficit by encouraging local production of some previously imported goods. The new scheme will include tax cuts, VAT exceptions and will reduce interest on strategic and regional investments, Erdogan said at a news conference. REUTERS/Umit Bektas (TURKEY - Tags: POLITICS BUSINESS)

Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan, at the celebration of the 10-year anniversary of the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) on Nov. 3, reflected on the AKP's rise: "Not only a new party came to power, but a revolution in mentality took place."

Erdogan is contemplating another major change in Turkish politics: rewriting the constitution so that the country's parliamentary system becomes a presidential one. If he succeeds, he would have the opportunity to continue as president with even more power until at least 2023, Turkey's centennial. 

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