Erdogan Dismisses Allegations of Constitutional Changes to Extend Presidency

Recep Tayyip Erdogan insists that proposed changes to Turkey's constitution are not intended for his re-election, despite ongoing speculation about his intentions as he trails in the polls against opposition figures.

Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan firmly denied claims that he is seeking to amend the constitution to enable himself to run for a fourth term in office beyond 2028. In a statement to reporters, Erdogan emphasized that his focus is not on personal ambition but rather on creating a constitution that serves the Turkish people. "We want the new constitution not for ourselves, but for our country. I have no interest in being re-elected or running for office again," he stated.

Erdogan has been at the helm of Turkey for 22 years, initially serving as Prime Minister and transitioning to the presidency in 2014. Current legal limitations prevent him from seeking another term unless significant legislative changes are enacted. However, speculation has swirled around Erdogan's intentions since he suggested that he could be open to running for another term if there is public support—a comment that his party later reaffirmed.

Despite his denials, Erdogan's popularity appears to be waning as he faces opposition from figures such as Ekrem Imamoglu, the mayor of Istanbul, who has been arrested on charges his supporters claim are politically motivated. Polls indicate that Imamoglu's support has surged in the wake of his detention, raising concerns for Erdogan as protests against the government intensify.

In a recent press interaction, Erdogan criticized Turkey's existing constitution, emphasizing its origins in the aftermath of a 1980 military coup. He argued for a modernized framework that reflects contemporary societal values, highlighting the need for parliamentary support to initiate such a significant constitutional change.

With the constitution currently permitting only two presidential terms, Erdogan contends that his prior service occurred before a shift to a presidential system via a controversial referendum in 2017. To alter the constitution, he requires the backing of a sizable parliamentary majority—a feat he currently struggles to achieve without broader coalition support, particularly from Kurdish lawmakers.

Amending the constitution or calling for early elections remains a contentious topic, with opposition leaders expressing skepticism about Erdogan's chances of securing another presidential term given the current restrictions. The political landscape in Turkey continues to evolve as discussions on potential reforms unfold against a backdrop of increasing dissent and opposition activism.