Opposition Leaders: “No Constitutional Change Without the People’s Consent”

CHP Chair Özgür Özel and İYİ Party leader Müsavat Dervişoğlu rejected the idea of amending Turkey’s constitution with a supermajority in parliament alone, insisting that any change must be ratified by the people. They emphasized that Turkey doesn’t need a brand new constitution, but rather limited amendments based on broad consensus.

Following a meeting at the CHP headquarters in Ankara, Republican People’s Party (CHP) leader Özgür Özel and İYİ Party chair Müsavat Dervişoğlu held a joint press conference where they addressed a range of issues from constitutional reform to judicial independence and Turkey’s foreign policy posture.

Dervişoğlu: “400 MPs Cannot Replace the Nation’s Will”

Responding to parliamentary speaker Numan Kurtulmuş’s recent statement that “ideally, a new constitution should pass with over 400 votes in parliament,” Dervişoğlu said this view ignores democratic norms.

“Proposing a new constitution defies the spirit of constitutionalism and universal principles. Two-thirds of the current constitution has already been amended. Pushing for a wholesale change in parliament alone amounts to ignoring the Turkish nation.”

He warned that bypassing a public vote would severely damage trust in the rule of law:

“If you attempt to enforce a constitution without the people’s consent, you destroy public belief in the legitimacy of lawmaking itself. Any constitution imposed without national approval will ultimately be rejected by society.”

Özel: “Even with 400 votes, referendum is mandatory”

CHP leader Özgür Özel underscored that any constitutional change must go to referendum, regardless of parliamentary support levels.

“At a time when constitutional violations are rampant and the closure of the Constitutional Court is being floated, the idea of changing the constitution without a public vote—even with 400 MPs—is unacceptable. Our party’s position is clear: even if a supermajority is secured, it must go to referendum.”

Why Erdoğan Wants a New Constitution

Observers believe President Erdoğan’s push for a new constitution is not purely legalistic or institutional, but also strategic. Under the current constitution, Erdoğan is ineligible for a third term unless early elections are called. By drafting a new constitution, Erdoğan could attempt to “reset the clock” on term limits, allowing him to run again in 2028 despite already serving two terms under the 2017 presidential system. Opposition parties see this maneuver as a direct threat to democratic norms and checks on executive power.

Özel Criticizes Erdoğan’s Ambiguous Stance on U.S. Strikes in Iran

Addressing the U.S. airstrikes on Iranian nuclear sites, Özel criticized President Erdoğan for using vague language:

“The President referred to the attacker indirectly, as if it’s unclear who bombed Iran. B-2 bombers took off from the U.S., refueled mid-air over 6,000 miles, and carried out illegal strikes. If condemnation is needed, it must be directed at America and Donald Trump.”

Dervişoğlu also accused Erdoğan of remaining silent, despite frequently condemning other geopolitical actions:

“The public naturally expects clarity. Silence on this matter is inconsistent with the President’s usual rhetoric.”

Unified Concern Over Judiciary and Rule of Law

Both leaders voiced concern over the state of the judiciary. Özel defended Istanbul Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu, who faces legal pressure from state prosecutors:

“We stand behind Mayor İmamoğlu’s innocence and integrity. Broadcast the entire trial live—there’s nothing we fear or are ashamed of.”

Dervişoğlu criticized the erosion of judicial credibility:

“Courts now seem to issue verdicts for individuals rather than the public. Indictments were once written in the name of the people—now they’re shaped by political motives.”

Tensions in Parliament and Legislative Priorities

Referencing a recent parliamentary dispute on June 18, Özel stated that political crises can only be overcome through mutual trust. Dervişoğlu noted that he sought CHP’s support in his formal complaint to the Speaker of Parliament.

He also clarified that the upcoming meeting with Speaker Kurtulmuş and party group leaders was not related to the “Terror-Free Turkey” initiative, but rather focused on procedural rule changes.

No Backing for Erdoğan’s Constitution Plan

Both CHP and İYİ Party are expected to withhold support for President Erdoğan’s push for a new constitution, a project reportedly backed by AKP, MHP, and possibly the pro-Kurdish DEM Party. Instead, they advocate for focused amendments underpinned by democratic legitimacy and public approval.

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