Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan outlined a clear, ambitious path for Turkey’s constitutional future, signaling that the work on an updated basic charter is a top political priority for the government. He emphasized that the reform process will not be rushed and invited the ruling party and other stakeholders to participate actively in shaping a new constitution that reflects the country’s current realities and aspirations. The remarks were reported by TASS, highlighting the president’s readiness to engage broad consensus across society.
Erdoğan asserted that constitutional texts are not frozen relics but living instruments that should evolve with the nation’s needs. He stated that the constitution must be adaptable and capable of guiding Turkey through changing generations, economies, and security concerns. The president asserted that ongoing work would involve continuous dialogue among political forces, civil society organizations, and ordinary citizens who have a stake in the country’s legal framework.
In his view, a successful reform would require an inclusive process. He urged civil society groups, think tanks, legal scholars, and professional associations to contribute ideas, debate, and recommendations that could help craft a document with broad legitimacy. Erdoğan argued that when diverse voices come together, the resulting constitutional text has a better chance of ensuring rights, guarantees, and responsibilities that reflect contemporary Turkish life.
The president suggested that achieving an ideal constitutional framework hinges on collective effort. He recalled past attempts where engagement from different sides was sought but, in his characterization, did not meet the expectations necessary for consensus. The current call, he said, is different in its emphasis on unity, responsibility, and the long-term impact of constitutional choices on the Republic’s development and stability.
Erdoğan spoke on the anniversary milestone of the Republic, reminding listeners that the 100th year provides a moment to reflect on the nation’s journey and to consider the legacy that future generations will inherit. He framed the constitutional project as a continuity of the Republic’s mission to safeguard freedoms, advance social welfare, and strengthen state institutions that support democracy and the rule of law. In his view, such a legacy should be rooted in practical reforms that improve everyday life for citizens across the country.
Beyond domestic considerations, the president also offered a critical perspective on international dynamics. He noted that Western partners have not always fulfilled their commitments over the past decades, a point he characterized as a test of trust and reliability in international relations. He stressed that Turkey will pursue strategic autonomy while seeking constructive cooperation with allies who respect the country’s sovereignty and security interests.
On the international front, Erdoğan touched on relations with Russia, outlining a pragmatic approach that prioritizes national interests and stability in the region. He pointed out that cooperation or dialogue with Moscow must be guided by mutual respect and clear obligations, especially as both nations navigate regional challenges and global geopolitical shifts. The president indicated that Turkey’s constitutional process and its broader foreign policy will be conducted with a careful balance of principled stance and practical engagement on matters of mutual concern. (Source: TASS)