ANKARA, Turkey: Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is to set rejoin the ruling party he co-founded following his narrow victory in a referendum that expands the powers of the president’s office.
Most of the constitutional changes approved in the April 16 referendum will come into force in 2019. However, an article removing a requirement for the president to be neutral and cut ties with their party came into effect immediately, allowing Erdogan to return to the Justice and Development Party in a ceremony on Tuesday.
Erdogan is expected to be re-elected as its chairman at a congress on May 21.
Critics fear that the new presidential system approved in the referendum will lead to a one-man rule. Supporters say they will usher in stability and more efficient government.
Turkey’s Erdogan to rejoin ruling party after referendum win
Updated 02 May 2017
Turkey’s Erdogan to rejoin ruling party after referendum win
