Bundestag President Norbert Lammert criticizes Turkey’s Erdogan

YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 14, ARMENPRESS. President of the German Bundestag Norbert Lammert said by holding constitutional referendum in Turkey President Recep Tayyip Erdogan aims to increase his power in the country, Deutsche Welle reported.

“Recently two coups took place in Turkey one after another. The first one was the military coup against the government which was elected by a democratic way, and the second one was the coup against the country’s constitution by the elected government”, Lammert said, stating that under the expected changes Erdogan aims to transform to a presidential system which will increase his powers and leadership.

The Bundestag President stated that the constitutional changes will suppose freezing Turkey’s accession process to the EU.

Turkey’s Parliament approved the proposal on constitutional changes, which then was signed by President Erdogan. Thereafter, the proposal was put on referendum which will be held on April 16.

By the constitutional changes the country will transform to a presidential system. The number of MPs will reach to 600 from 550. The MPs can be elected at the age of 18 instead of 25.

The elections of the Parliament and the President will be held every 5 years, the same day.