President Erdogan appoints a legal team to draft a new constitution, sparking fears of attempts to bypass term limits and extend his rule beyond 2028.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has commissioned a team of legal experts to begin work on a new national constitution, renewing public debate and political scrutiny over the future of democracy in Turkey. The announcement, made during a speech to local administrators of his ruling party, marks the latest step in Erdogan’s long-standing push to replace the current charter.
“For 23 years, we have sought to crown our democracy with a new civilian and libertarian constitution,” Erdogan said, confirming the appointment of ten legal experts tasked with preparing the draft.
Critics See Strategic Path to Remain in Power Beyond 2028
Erdogan’s current term — his third as president — is set to end in 2028. The present constitution, which restricts presidents to two terms, would prevent him from running again unless early elections are called or the constitutional framework is amended. Legal analysts and political opponents argue that the proposed overhaul could be a calculated attempt to remove term limits, thereby extending Erdogan’s rule.
While Erdogan insists the changes are for national progress, critics believe otherwise. “We want the new constitution not for ourselves, but for our country,” he stated last week — a comment that failed to dispel widespread skepticism.
A Constitution Born of Military Rule
The existing Turkish constitution was established in 1982, following a military coup. Though it has been amended several times, Erdogan has long contended that it still bears undemocratic features and military-era imprints. His call for a “civilian and libertarian” replacement seeks to align the charter with contemporary democratic values — at least in official rhetoric.
Yet opposition parties argue that any reform under Erdogan’s increasingly centralized governance raises questions about motive, timing, and democratic integrity.
Political Strategy and the Kurdish Question
Analysts suggest the timing of the constitutional push is not coincidental. Erdogan’s ruling coalition lacks the parliamentary majority required to pass a new constitution. Some experts believe his administration is attempting to reach out to the pro-Kurdish parties, possibly by reviving peace efforts with the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK), as part of a larger political calculation.
This potential realignment comes amid a delicate political balance in parliament, where even small shifts in alliances could prove decisive in reshaping the country’s foundational laws.
Opposition Crackdown Heightens Tensions
The constitutional effort follows the recent arrest of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu, a rising opposition figure and key Erdogan challenger. Imamoglu’s imprisonment on corruption charges has been widely condemned as politically motivated. It has triggered nationwide protests and drawn international concern about the erosion of judicial independence and democratic norms in Turkey.
The government maintains that the judiciary operates independently. However, repeated actions against political rivals have cast doubt on the transparency of the legal system.
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