Erdogan calls for ‘civilian constitution’ to replace Turkey’s ‘coup-era’ framework

ANKARA — Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has called for a new constitution, describing the current one as a relic of military rule that no longer serves the needs of Turkey’s evolving society. Speaking to reporters during his return flight from Hungary, Erdogan stressed the necessity of a “civilian constitution” that reflects the democratic aspirations of modern Turkey.

“Turkey is changing, and so is the world,” Erdogan stated. “We are entering a new era. For 40 years, we have been governed by a constitution drafted by coup plotters. That cannot be the foundation for our future.”

Erdogan revealed that his ruling Justice and Development Party (Adalet ve Kalkınma Partisi, AKP) has initiated work on a new draft constitution. He extended an invitation to the opposition Republican People’s Party (Cumhuriyet Halk Partisi, CHP) to collaborate on the effort, urging bipartisan cooperation to produce a draft that could be presented to the public.

“The question is whether the CHP will join us in this endeavor,” Erdogan said. “Let us form committees together and create a civilian constitution that unites the nation.”

Erdogan rejected suggestions that the initiative is aimed at consolidating his own power, emphasizing that it is intended to benefit the country. “This is not about me being elected or nominated again,” he insisted. “We want a new constitution for our nation, not for ourselves.”

He also assured that the first four articles of the current constitution, which enshrine Turkey’s republican, secular, and unitary character, will remain untouched. “We will simply lay out a new roadmap,” Erdogan added. “We’ve done it before when I was Prime Minister, and we can do it again.”

The renewed push for constitutional reform comes at a politically sensitive time. Analysts suggest it may be linked to potential peace overtures involving imprisoned Kurdish leader Abdullah Öcalan, founder of the outlawed Kurdistan Workers’ Party (Partiya Karkerên Kurdistanê, PKK). While details remain unclear, Erdogan’s comments signal a possible recalibration of domestic politics ahead of Turkey’s upcoming elections, hinting at significant shifts in the country’s trajectory.