Turkish President Erdoğan expands presidential powers to declare war and army mobilization

ANKARA — In a move to enhance his authority, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has transferred the power to declare war and mobilize the army from the Council of Ministers to himself.

According to the new regulation, Erdoğan now has the authority to declare general or partial mobilization in response to “riots, active uprisings, or any activity threatening the unity and safety of Turkey and its people.” Previously, this power was vested in the Council of Ministers.

The decision will be published immediately in the Official Gazette and submitted to parliament for approval on the same day. If the parliament is not in session, it will be convened to approve the decision.

The Turkish Ministry of Defense defines mobilization as a situation where rights and freedoms are partially or completely restricted by law. Mobilization can be declared if there is an imminent possibility of war or internal unrest that cannot be managed under normal circumstances.