CHP Leader Kılıçdaroğlu Open to Negotiations with Erdoğan After 2023 Election

Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu, the leader of Turkey's main opposition party CHP, has stated that he will not close the doors to negotiations on a new constitution without first listening to President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, following the 2023 Turkish presidential election. Erdoğan has expressed hope that the CHP will support their constitutional draft preparations, emphasizing the need for a new constitution in Turkey to keep up with changing sociologies, technologies, and climates.

However, Kılıçdaroğlu urged Erdoğan to first abide by the current constitution before discussing a new one. He cited Erdoğan's disregard for European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) rulings and Constitutional Court decisions as reasons for his stance. The ruling AKP party has stated they will work on a new constitution that includes regulations to "protect the family structure" against what they term as "perverted movements", targeting the LGBTI+ community.

Some opposition parties have also hinted at supporting a new constitution if it returns Turkey to a parliamentary system. The current presidential system, implemented after a controversial referendum in 2017, has been criticized for concentrating too much power in the hands of the president.

Kılıçdaroğlu's statement comes amidst ongoing tensions between the government and opposition parties over issues such as human rights, freedom of expression, and the rule of law. The CHP leader's willingness to engage in negotiations while insisting on adherence to the current constitution reflects the delicate balance opposition parties must strike in dealing with Erdoğan's government.

Key Takeaways

• CHP leader open to new constitution talks after 2023 election, if Erdogan abides by current one.
• Erdogan seeks CHP support for new constitution to "protect family structure" against "perverted movements".
• Some opposition parties may support new constitution if it returns Turkey to parliamentary system.
• 2023 election seen as crucial test for Erdogan, with implications for Turkey's politics and EU ties.
• CHP leader's stance reflects opposition's delicate balance in dealing with Erdogan's government.