The definition of Turkey’s citizenship should no longer be based on religion, language or ethnic origin, the main opposition announced Tuesday as it unveiled its vision of a new constitution.
The first three unalterable articles of the Constitution will be maintained while education in the mother tongue will be optional, according to the constitutional vision of the Republican People’s Party, or CHP, deputy leader Süheyl Batum said Tuesday.
The most striking change will be to Article 66 of the Constitution, which stipulates that everyone bound to the Turkish state through the bond of citizenship is a Turk.
The statement will be changed to “Everyone bound to the Turkish state through the bond of citizenship is a citizen of Turkey,” while the definition of citizenship will remain in the Constitution on a legal basis.
The new vision also anticipates a structural change to the Supreme Board of Prosecutors and Judges, or HSYK, the continuation of the parliamentary system, judicial independence and a reduction in the election threshold from 10 to 5 percent.
In addition, compulsory religious courses at schools will be optional, the National Security Council, or MGK, will not be protected by constitutional safeguard and the authorities of the president will be reduced, according to the vision
