Erdogan: Presidential system a 'great opportunity'

By Ali Kemal Akan

ANKARA (AA) – The new presidential system will be a “great opportunity” for Turkey to achieve its long-term goals, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said on Wednesday.

Speaking at a fast-breaking dinner in the capital Ankara, Erdogan said: “Let’s all together make Turkey achieve 2023 targets.”

“Let’s altogether establish a base on which our children can realize 2053 and 2071 visions," he said.

"That's why we gave our people a promise of a strong parliament, a strong government and a strong Turkey in June 24 elections."

Turkey has set specific goals and targets that include major improvements in the economy, energy, healthcare and transportation for 2023, which marks the centenary of the Republic of Turkey, and 2053 that will mark the 600th anniversary of the conquest of Istanbul.

2071 also marks the 1,000th anniversary of Malazgirt Battle, which saw Seljuk Turks led by Sultan Alparslan defeat a Byzantine army and open up Anatolia for Turkish domination.

Turkey will vote in presidential and parliamentary elections on June 24.

“With the presidential system, we will make the parliament the only authority to pass a law,” he said.

“The changes such as the number of ministries, the merging of similar institutions and personnel status will be put in place after the elections. "

“There will be no doubt that the judiciary will work impartially and independently in a climate in which legislative and executive powers are balanced,” the president added.

Erdogan has served as president since 2014 -- Turkey's first popularly elected president. Before that, he served as prime minister from 2003 to 2014.

Should he win the June 24 election, Erdogan would be Turkey's first leader under the presidential system, which does away with the prime minister's post, among other changes.