Gov't to seek consensus with opposition on adjustment laws

Turkey's government will seek consensus with the opposition in drafting laws to introduce the newly approved constitutional amendments but will proceed on its own in the event that other parties do not contribute to the process, Prime Minister Binali Yıldırım has said.

Turkey's main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP), however, has vowed to continue opposing the charter.

"We prefer to seek consensus with the opposition to the [greatest] possible extent in order to introduce the adjustment laws. But if there is a situation in which we cannot form a consensus, we will proceed on our road regardless," Yıldırım told reporters late on April 23 in a reception for Sovereignty Day in parliament. 

Assessing the tension over the controversial amendments that occurred in a special April 23 session in parliament, Yıldırım said the heated debates were normal. 

"These kinds of things happen in parliament. It is normal. The parliament is the house of the people; everybody says what they think. It is not a big deal," Yıldırım said, adding that he expected parliament to work in harmony once official sessions commence. 

"Why would there be any tension? What reason is there? We have to set a good example to citizens," he said. 

Approached by Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) leader Devlet Bahçeli, Yıldırım also hinted at collaboration between the two parties in adapting legislation.

"Don't you see?" Yıldırım said, pointing at Bahçeli. "Is there better harmony than this?" he added, stating that the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) and MHP had been working on the adaptation since the beginning.

He also hinted at an official meeting with the nationalist leader for legislation to implement the...