Reminding that President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan recently stated that action would be taken to amend the Constitution, Sağlam said: “The discussions on a new constitution, which were started by President has revived the expectation of a civil constitution that has existed in society for years. The new constitution is an indisputable need. Turkey’s current constitution, which was drafted following the Sept. 12, 1980, coup d'etat, underlies many of the country's deep-rooted problems.”
“All the constitutions so far have been aimed at maintaining the status quo rather than prioritizing people’s welfare because they were drafted under extraordinary conditions and during military tutelage. No government has so far been able to break the mold. Although the AK Party raised high hopes on this issue in the past, it has not been able to meet expectations and has caused great frustration in society.”
Sağlam underlined that a new constitution that focuses on the fundamental rights and freedoms of citizens is the greatest need in the country.
“If a new Constitution is to be made; All segments of the society should be included in the constitution-making process, with adopting a pluralistic approach,” he emphasized, adding that everyone living in the country should be able to own the constitution that will draft.
“The Constitution, which we all crave, is a Constitution that protects the fundamental rights and freedoms of citizens without distinguishing ethnicity, language, sect or religion, takes all measures to protect the freedom of faith and thought, does not otherize, and creates a dream of civilization,” he concluded. (ILKHA)