Turkey’s Erdogan in power until 2029? It’s possible

REPORTED BY KALAHAN DENG

ISTANBUL — Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan could stay in power until 2029 after a right-wing opposition party offered their backing to a proposal to amend the constitution and allow his presidential term to be extended.

If realized, Erdogan could serve as leader of the country for a total of 26 years since he became the prime minister in 2003. It would also mean that one politician retained power for more than a quarter of a century in a democratic country.

Under the Republic of Turkey’s current constitution, the president is limited to two five-year terms. Because of that constraint, even if Erdogan, who enjoys overwhelming support domestically, is re-elected in the next presidential election in 2019, he would have to leave office in 2024.

However, a constitutional revision that allows the transfer of executive powers from the prime minister to the president has been floated as a topic for discussion in the country.

It is also the Erdogan’s long-cherished dream of transitioning to the powerful presidential system as seen in the U.S. and Russia from the ceremonial role of president defined under Turkey’s current constitution, thereby ensuring supreme presidential power institutionally.

In an about-face, the opposition Nationalist Movement Party in October expressed support for the proposed constitutional amendment, and a national referendum on the revision is likely to be held next spring to early summer.

According to Hurriyet, a major Turkish newspaper, a draft bill to amend the constitution will reset Erdogan’s term in office in 2019, allowing him to serve another two five-year terms starting that year.

Although this scenario is based on the premise that Erdogan clinches support in the national referendum and presidential elections that follow, an opinion poll conducted after July’s failed coup attempt found that 60% of Turks said they support Erdogan and 55% back his ruling Justice and Development Party.

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