Revision of the Constitution in Turkey: an electoral maneuver of the ruling alliance

Recep Tayyip Erdogan, October 13, 2022. AP - Vyacheslav Prokofyev

Text by: RFI Follow

1 min

The deputies of the alliance in power in Turkey tabled this Friday, December 9 in Parliament a proposal for a revision of the Constitution aimed in particular at guaranteeing the right to wear the veil. 

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With our correspondent in Istanbul

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The proposed revision has two parts.

The first guarantees that no woman can be deprived of her freedoms or rights – such as those to work or education – on the grounds that she wears the veil, or does not wear it.

The second defines marriage as the union of a man and a woman.

It therefore prevents a possible legalization of same-sex marriage.

The text does not respond to pressing demands from Turkish society.

The right to wear the veil is not threatened.

All bans on the veil in the public service and education have indeed been lifted over the past 15 years by Recep Tayyip Erdogan's party, the AKP, and no political movement is calling for its ban.

As for same-sex marriage, it is, in any case, not authorized in Turkey and does not give rise to any debate.

The stakes are electoral.

The defense of the veil and the fight against homosexuality are promising themes for the president, which help him to consolidate his base while polarizing society six months before the elections.

To pass the text, two ways are possible.

If 400 deputies vote "for", it will be adopted in session.

If they are less than 400, but more than 360, it will be the subject of a referendum.

In both cases, Recep Tayyip Erdogan will have to find allies in the opposition, because he does not have such a majority.

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