A striking political scenario is being discussed in Ankara, according to Turkish journalist Nuray Babacan, raising the possibility of Turkey returning to a strengthened parliamentary system after years of presidential rule. Writing in the newspaper Nefes, Babacan says the idea centres on a broad constitutional compromise that would reshape the country’s political order and offer a controlled transition from the Erdogan era. The scenario has not been formally adopted by any political force, but is presented as one of the formulas being floated behind the scenes in the Turkish capital.
Erdogan as figurehead
At the centre of the plan is Recep Tayyip Erdogan himself. Under the reported scenario, he could remain President of the Republic for one more term, but with the office stripped of its executive powers. The presidency would become largely ceremonial, allowing Erdogan to stay in the palace as a national figurehead while day-to-day power returns to parliament and government. The idea is being described by its supporters as a form of “honourable exit” from power, avoiding a sudden rupture while opening the way for a new political balance.
Imamoglu and Demirtas return to the frame
The scenario also includes the release of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu and his associates, as well as former HDP co-chair Selahattin Demirtas. Babacan writes that Demirtas could return to active politics through the pro-Kurdish DEM party, helping reshape it into a broader movement with appeal beyond its traditional base. Imamoglu is the other key figure in the reported plan. If Turkey returned to a parliamentary system, he could emerge not as president, but as a future prime minister. Supporters of the scenario believe an alliance centred on Imamoglu and CHP leader Ozgur Ozel could win elections and form a strong government.
A protected transition
Such a shift would also change the significance of the legal obstacles currently surrounding Imamoglu, including the controversy over his university diploma. In a parliamentary model, executive authority would rest with the prime minister and cabinet, rather than with an elected president. One of the most sensitive parts of the scenario concerns guarantees for Erdogan, his family and his inner circle during any transition. According to the report, those promoting the formula argue that investigations into the past 25 years should not become a cycle of political revenge, warning that such a process could destabilise the country.
The MHP question
The proposal also assumes that Erdogan would retain influence over the future of the AKP, including by helping determine who succeeds him as party leader and how the party positions itself in the next political phase. Babacan presents the scenario as a possible “soft transition” plan for Turkey, but notes that its biggest unknown remains the position of Devlet Bahceli’s nationalist MHP. The party has reportedly not been involved in such discussions and may resist any formula that weakens the current presidential system or alters the balance of power inside the ruling alliance.
Source: edotourkia.gr
