Erdogan makes major security changes as he starts new term
Turkey is redesigning its security structure to be compatible with the newly established executive presidency, but some questions have yet to be answered.
Since his June 24 election victory, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has wasted no time transitioning from a parliamentary government to an executive presidency, making some drastic changes. The most important of these changes is probably the structural transformation of Turkey's security establishment.
The first major step came through a decree July 9 — the day he was sworn in for a new five-year term — that annulled legislation outlining the duties and authority of the chief of general staff. That position had come under scrutiny after the failed military uprising in July 2016. Under this decree, the Turkish general staff, which earlier was directed by the prime minister and then by the president after the coup attempt, now will operate under the Defense Ministry.
The prime minister's office will no longer exist.
In another major step, Erdogan abolished the Supreme Military Council that was established in 1972 to determine promotions and assignments of colonels and generals. From now on, the president will have the final word.
