Justice Minister supports call for overhauling top court, says move needs parliament's support

Duvar English

Justice Minister Abdulahmit Gül has thrown his support behind far-right Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) leader Devlet Bahçeli's call for the restructuring of the Constitutional Court, saying that it is the parliament that can take a step in this regard.

MHP leader Bahçeli calls for restructuring Turkey's top court in line with presidential system

“Any change can be done for the sake of democracy and rule of law. And it is the parliament that can do this,” Gül during an event on Oct. 8.

The minister's remarks came upon President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan's junior coalition partner Bahçeli's call for restructuring Turkey's top court in line with the presidential system, which later received support from Erdoğan himself.

“The Constitutional Court must be restructured with all its components. The presidential system and high democratic standards entail this,” Bahçeli said on Sept. 30.

A few days later, Erdoğan said that he “would be gladly approve” of a new restructuring of the Constitutional Court if such a legislation was presented to him.

Any amendment with regards to the structure and duties of the Constitutional Court requires an amendment in the Constitution.

Constitutional amendments need a three fifths majority (330 votes) to be put forward to a referendum and a two-thirds majority (367 votes) to be ratified directly.

The ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) and MHP fall short of the number of seats needed for a parliamentary majority.

Erdoğan says he supports nationalist ally's calls for overhauling top court, reinstatement of death penalty