The Turkish Parliament has approved in the first reading amendments to the Constitution. It is reported by Anadolu.
The draft of the new Constitution provides for a sharp increase in the powers of the President. In particular, the head of state will be able to lead the Cabinet of Ministers or to single-handedly appoint the Prime Minister.
Also in case of adoption of the document in direct subordination of the head of state will pass the country’s armed forces and intelligence agencies. Currently they are governed by a collegiate body — the Supreme military Council.
Another important innovation may be the return of the death penalty.
In addition, under the draft Constitution, the lower age limit for the nomination of deputies will be reduced from 25 to 18, the number of MPs will increase from 550 to 600, and those related to military service, will be deprived of passive suffrage.
After the final adoption of the amendments, the Parliament will put them to a referendum, by the vote of more than 330 deputies. The plebiscite on the draft of the new Constitution could pass in the summer of 2017.