TÜSİAD urges gov’t to make judicial reforms

TÜSİAD President Haluk Dinçer speaks during a press conference. AA Photo

Turkey’s leading business club has drawn attention to the urgent need to write a brand-new civilian Constitution and make significant reforms in the judicial system. The group has also regretted the absence of fair representation in Parliament, which it says is vital for preserving stability in the country.

“Although some amendments have been made, Turkey is still being governed with an old Constitution,” President Haluk Dinçer of the Turkish Industrial and Business Association (TÜSİAD) said Sept. 4.

“In Turkey, a new civilian Constitution is needed,” Dinçer added, speaking at a press conference in Ankara after wrapping up a courtesy visit to governmental officials, opposition leaders and diplomatic missions.

According to Dinçer, significant steps should be taken to make judicial reforms. “Turkey has an enormous judiciary problem in front of itself. We can overcome this with a radical judicial reform. This must be one of Turkey’s first priorities.”

A parliamentary panel tasked with drafting the country’s first civilian Constitution was officially dissolved in December 2013, after nearly two years of futile work.

The current 1982 Constitution is effectively a legacy of the Sept. 12, 1980, coup. It replaced the Constitution of 1961, which was also drafted following a military coup.

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