Turkey will say ‘no’ to Erdogan power plan – Opposition chief

ANKARA: Turkey will vote against expanding President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s powers in an April referendum, the leader of the country’s main opposition party has predicted, warning the opposite outcome would cripple democracy by concentrating power in one man’s hands.

In an interview with Agence France- Presse, Republican People’s Party (CHP) chief Kemal Kilicdaroglu said even some ruling party voters were against a plan that would be dangerous for Turkey’s future.

“The result will be ‘no’ because there are questions raised even amongtheJusticeandDevelopment Party (AKP) voters about the proposed system,” Kilicdaroglu told AFP.

“One person having this much power and influence would impose risks in the future for Turkey,” he said.

On April 16, Turks will decide whether to approve constitutional changes that would axe the role of premier and allow the president to directly appoint top public officials including ministers.

The Turkish government defends the changes as necessary for stability in the country while critics including Kilicdaroglu argue it would bring one-man rule.

Polls show a tight race between the two sides, with pro-government dailies publishing surveys putting the “yes” side ahead while opposition newspapers show the “no” side in front.

Kilicdaroglu took over the CHP in 2010, stabilising a party humiliated by the AKP at the ballot box and mired in scandal.

But under his leadership the secular CHP has failed to dent the dominance of the Islamic-rooted AKP and it remains unclear if Kilicdaroglu can halt the ruling party’s election juggernaut this time.

The CHP leader is about to embark on a campaign of nationwide rallies. The party’s campaign poster shows a young girl with a colourful sun in the background accompanied by the words: “For my future, ‘no’.” — AFP