The President of Turkey

The President of Turkey is the head of state and head of government of the Republic of Turkey. The officeholder directs the executive branch and also serves as commander-in-chief of the Turkish Armed Forces. The President represents the country both at home and abroad.

The current President of Turkey is Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, who has held the office since 2014. He was elected directly by popular vote, a significant shift from the previous system where the president was elected by the Grand National Assembly of Turkey (the parliament).

The modern powers of the Turkish President have evolved significantly, particularly after the constitutional referendum of 2017. This referendum ushered in a presidential system, replacing the previous parliamentary system. As a result, the President holds considerably more power than before.

Key powers and responsibilities of the President include:

• Executive Authority: The President has extensive executive powers, including the ability to issue presidential decrees (subject to parliamentary review in certain cases), appoint and dismiss ministers, and set the national agenda.
• Legislative Influence: While legislative power formally rests with the Grand National Assembly, the President can influence the legislative process. They can return laws to parliament for reconsideration and can also call for snap elections.
• Foreign Policy: The President plays a leading role in shaping Turkey’s foreign policy, representing the country in international forums, negotiating treaties, and appointing ambassadors.
• National Security: As commander-in-chief, the President directs the armed forces and makes key decisions regarding national security. They also chair the National Security Council.
• Judicial Appointments: The President has the power to appoint a significant portion of the members of the Constitutional Court and the Council of State, the highest administrative court in Turkey.

The presidential system in Turkey has been a subject of debate, with supporters arguing that it provides for more efficient governance and decision-making, while critics raise concerns about the concentration of power in a single individual and the potential for authoritarianism. Concerns have also been raised about the checks and balances within the system and the ability of parliament to effectively hold the executive branch accountable.

The President’s term of office is five years, and a president can serve a maximum of two terms. However, if parliament calls for early elections during a president’s second term, the president is eligible to run for a third term.

The role of the President of Turkey is central to the country’s political system, shaping its domestic and foreign policies and playing a crucial role in its future direction.