Erdogan Moves to Rewrite Constitution, Sparking Fears of Authoritarian Shift

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has commissioned a panel of legal experts to draft a new constitution, prompting new concerns about a potential power grab. The step, announced earlier this week, is billed by Erdogan's administration as a modernizing reform to replace the current military-era constitution. However, critics claim it would be an effort to remove democratic checks and balances and potentially allow Erdogan to stay in office indefinitely.

The proposed new constitution will reform key state institutions and possibly end term limits, which has fueled fears that Erdogan may seek to remain in power well beyond 2028, when his current term is due to end. Leaders of the political opposition and legal experts claim the process lacks transparency and inclusiveness because no effort at consensus-building across party lines has been made.

Erdogan has been criticizing the 1982 constitution, imposed after a military coup, for years, but past attempts at reform have generally been perceived as veiled attempts to strengthen presidential powers. This new attempt follows a pattern of power consolidation that has marked his two-decade presidency.

Public opinion is split, with Erdogan's supporters welcoming the move as much-needed reform, while opponents view it as a strategic move to secure his political legacy. Pundits say the coming months will be crucial in determining whether this constitutional overhaul will reflect democratic principles—or become a gateway to autocratic rule.