How Turkish President Erdogan Could Govern Till 2029

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan could retain his post until 2029 with extended executive powers if proposals of the ruling AK Party, or Justice and Development Party, go to a referendum next spring, reported Reuters.

Erdogan and his followers defend the proposals arguing that Turkey needs his strong leadership to avoid instability and usher in progress. The opponents of the president, on the other hand, fear that the proposals will bring increasing authoritarianism to the country as it follows the widespread purge in the wake of a failed military coup last July.

According to the constitution’s two-term limit rule, Erdogan can rule until 2024; that is, if he wins the 2019 election. But the proposed executive presidency will allow him two more terms.

Turkish Prime Minister Binali Yildirim said in a meeting of AKP provincial heads in Ankara on Wednesday (16 November):

To bring about any constitutional change to pass directly, there is a need for the support of at least 367 deputies in the 550-seat assembly, and of 330 to go to a referendum. The AKP currently has 317 seats.

At a press conference on Wednesday, Erdogan said that the executive president should not have to cut ties with his political party. He said so before leaving for an official visit to Pakistan.

The constitution as it is requires the head of state to forsake party ties as part of a system of checks and balances. In contrast, Erdogan's comments suggest he would lead the AKP, by far Turkey's largest political movement, if elected in 2019.