Erdogan's agenda for the Presidential system

Turkey, being a transcontinental country, is strategically very important. Its Eurasian geographical straddle has been a fillip for many political upheavals in the world.

After undergoing challenges of political suppression and consequent anarchy, now Turkey is gaining ground as a strong power in the world. The economic development and the cultural progress that Turkey has been achieving under Recep Tayyib Erdogan are covetable. While the big powers of the world are controlled by the corporate giants, Erdogan has proven that neo-liberal corporate companies could be made subservient to the national interest and welfare of the people. He has been experimenting an ‘Islam- inclusive’ democracy, the great advantages of which has surprised the international community. The referendum held in 2017 that gave him 51.3 percentage of votes is a testament to his successful leadership. This might have, according to theobservers, encouraged him to prepone the election from next November to this June 24th. As a charismatic leader, able to lead the world, especially the Eurasian nations and the Middle East, his election campaign is the pivot of debate on the international platforms in America and Europe. All such forces are manoeuvring ways to support the opposition parties.

In the last sixteen years of his rule (first as prime minister and then as President), Erdogan has transformed the poor sprawling country at the eastern end of Europe into a big financial power with a strong military. But, since the attempted coup in July 2016 the political stability in the nation has been under threat. The war going on in the Syria, is also a challenge. It is in order to overcome these challenges and to further strengthen and stabilise the nation, Erdogan wants to introduce the Presidential system and an executive government after the election.

Erdogan, a master campaigner and a divisive politician, is quite confident of his victory. He is admired by millions of working class people, especially pious Muslims, who pin their future prospects to his leadership .The opposition has been scrambling to find a consensus candidate in Abdullah Gul, former President and Erdogan’s former ally. He was viewed as a candidate capable of drawing away voters from the AK Party. But, as he declined the offer, now the Republican People's Party (CHP) is the main opposition to Erdogan. It has, at present,116 members in the parliament of 550. Moharrem Ince, known for his powerful tongue, is the presidential candidate . They are fighting tooth and nail against the incumbent leader. Using the tactics of wooing the voters, they are trying to influence the psychology of voter behaviour. That seems to be the reason, according to the observers, why the left-wing candidates are mostly avoided. Again, to lure the Kurdish, they demand that their issues could be settled in the Parliament . Still, CHP is not in aposition to win the hearts of the people. Its ultra secular ideas are incompatible with the views of the Turkish people. More over, his ‘Justice and Development Party’ (AKP) is supported by the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) which claims ten per cent of voter-support. Naturally, this promotes the popular hope that Erdogan will come out successful in the contest and fulfil the aspirations of the people.

The election on 24th opens the gateway to the presidential system. It enables Erdogan to make a better start. On 3rd June, in a televised interview, he spoke about the presidential System which will be unique and suitable to the requirements of Turkey, neither a copy of the US presidential system nor an imitation of the European model. He has a clear vision about the ministries ,the executives and the boards to be formed for developmental activities. The slogan accepted by his party is ‘strong parliament’ ,strong government’ and ‘strong Turkey’ .Reiterating the need for a strong Turkey reflects his self-confidence. Erdogan’s manifesto is full of mega projects, including nuclear power stations and defence projects. A number of ‘micro projects’ related to the environment, urbanisation, education and health are there in line with Turkey’s changing social dynamics. He envisages a balanced financial policy that rejects the idea of protectionism that is currently pursued by Trump's America, and reiterates the open policy of free-market and foreign investment . It will enhance production and reduce the need for borrowing. He seeks to de-escalate the tensions with the U.S. and aims to maintain cordial relations with Russia and Europe. Hence, it is a pragmatic step – ‘a Turkey-centric multidimensional foreign policy’ that strikes a healthy balance. He advocates global justice that is bigger than ‘the Big Five.’ In any way, it is hoped that Erdogan’s victory will be a milestone in the onward march of Turkey .