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Erdogan hastens executive presidency with new decree

Turkey's latest decree under a continued state of emergency grants the intelligence sector unprecedented influence in the military and government, while giving Erdogan full control in these areas.
Riot police secure the entrance of the High Electoral Board as people wait in line to submit their personal appeals for annulment of the referendum, in Ankara, Turkey, April 18, 2017. REUTERS/Umit Bektas - RTS12RUX

It is the 27th decree Turkey has implemented under a state of emergency since the failed coup attempt last year, but make no mistake, this one's a doozy. The expansive changes enacted are coming much faster than expected after the hotly contested voter referendum in April that authorized an executive presidency.

The decree, which took effect Aug. 25, carries significant adjustments in intelligence and security bureaucracies, allows thousands of police and judiciary personnel to be recruited and indicates other hefty changes — such as abolishing the Prime Ministry — could be on the way. 

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