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Turkey’s Erdogan one step from consolidating power

Sunday, 22 January 2017 3:07 AM [ Last Update: Sunday, 22 January 2017 3:07 AM ]

Turkey's Prime Minister Binali Yildirim (C) shakes hands with opposition Nationalist Movement Party leader Devlet Bahceli (3-L) after the approval of a contentious constitutional reform package by the Turkish parliament on January 21, 2017 in Ankara. (Photo by AFP)

Verenia Keet
Press TV, Istanbul

The Turkish parliament has surpassed the threshold of 330 votes of the 550-member national assembly to make changes to the Constitution, which will now be put to a national referendum. The changes envision greater powers for the president and will transform governance from a parliamentary system to an executive presidency. Critics of the change anticipate a draconian government with an all-powerful President Erdogan who will stifle any opposition to his rule, which could extend to 2029. Verenia Keet reports from Istanbul.

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