Bozdag: Some EU countries do not want a strong Turkey

By Sorwar Alam

ANKARA (AA) - Some European Union states do not want to see a Turkey with political stability and economic strength, Justice Minister Bekir Bozdag said on Tuesday.

Bozdag was speaking in an interview with Anadolu Agency’s Editors' Desk in the Turkish capital, Ankara.

In recent weeks, Germany and the Netherlands have blocked several Turkish ministers from visiting ahead of planned rallies of expat Turks.

Turkish ministers have been campaigning in support of a Yes vote in an April referendum on sweeping constitutional changes. Thousands of Turkish people resident in European countries are entitled to vote in the poll.

“After observing the stance of Germany, the Netherlands, Austria and some EU countries, I understand how important our attempt to change the system is,” Bozdag said.

He said the current parliamentary system in Turkey was not providing stability.

The Turkish electorate will vote on April 16 to decide whether to approve the constitutional reforms which would boost the president's powers and abolish the post of prime minister, along with a number of other key changes.