Turkish PM Davuto?lu suggests 'pro-freedom' presidential system

Prime Minister Ahmet Davuto?lu has described his presidential system as ?pro-freedom, human-focused and based on the separation of powers,? while refuting claims that a change to the system would bolster one-man rule under Recep Tayyip Erdo?an in Turkey.

?We will introduce through the new constitution a new understanding of governance based on productive power sharing, and a separation [of powers]. We will introduce the presidential system with the right perspective,? Davuto?lu told his parliamentary group March 31, a day after Erdo?an said he was satisfied with the drafted part of a Justice and Development Party (AKP) election manifesto about the adoption of the presidential system.

Erdo?an has made no secret about his desire for a presidential system that would leave him almost unfettered to run the country as he pleases.

Davuto?lu outlined more details on the shape of the presidential system the AKP will announce in its election manifesto, underlining the system as ?human-focused and pro-freedom.? He also stressed the new administrative system would bring about effective power sharing, with a mechanism controlling the separation of power. ?We will discuss it. But this system must function on a solid foundation,? he said.

The prime minister also refuted opposition claims that the presidential system would create authoritarian rule in the country. ?Those who make it a personal issue are the opposition. If they have their own proposals, they should reveal them,? he said.

The current parliamentary system was ruined because of consecutive coups d?état and has become a complicated system, Davuto?lu said, stating that those who are against the presidential system today did not attempt to protect the parliamentary system in...