Turkish Insights Policy Dialogue with :
Abdülhamit Bilci, Cihan News Agency
Adam Balcer, Centre for East European Studies, University of Warsaw
Sertaç Aktan Independent Expert and Journalist
Richard Howitt (to be confirmed) Member of the European Parliament
Amanda Paul, Senior Policy Analyst, European Policy Centre (Moderator)
Wednesday 27 May 2015, 10.30-12.30 (registration & coffee from 9.30)
EPC Auditorium, Rue du Trône 14-16, 1000 Brussels
The European Policy Centre, in cooperation with the Confederation of Businessmen and Industrialists of Turkey (TUSKON), is delighted to invite you to this Policy Dialogue.
Turkey’s general election on 7 June seems set to be one of the most important since the birth of the Republic in 1923. While the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) is likely to win the most votes, it seems unlikely that the party will secure the two thirds majority needed to change the constitution and usher in a presidential system of governance, as favoured by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. However, this would not be the end game because if they take a three-fifths majority they can still pen a new Constitution, although it would require a referendum. With the separation of powers, rule of law and fundamental freedoms having been dangerously eroded over the last few years, there are fears that placing more power in the hand of the Presidency, could take Turkey down an increasingly authoritarian road. One of the most important elements will be whether or not the pro-Kurdish Peoples’ Democratic Party (HDP) pass the 10% threshold needed to enter parliament. In this event, it could be difficult for the AKP to have a majority, meaning that Turkey could end up with a new coalition government.
This Policy Dialogue will look at the pre-election period in Turkey, the different scenarios for the post-election period and what they could mean for Turkey’s domestic and foreign policy.
European Policy Centre
Tel : 02 231 03 40
www.epc.eu
