Turkish parliament backs bill boosting Erdogan powersJanuary 21, 2017 - 10:54 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - The Turkish parliament early Saturday, January 21 approved a draft bill that would dramatically expand the powers of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, meaning the country will vote on changing the constitution later this year, AFP reports. The government insists the proposals to create an executive presidency will ensure simpler and more effective administration but critics say it will give Erdogan more power that is unchecked. The parliament approved the 18-article constitution in a final vote with 339 "yes" votes. 142 MPs voted against the bill. Each article was put to a vote in the 550-seat parliament, where the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) enjoys a comfortable majority. At least 330 votes -- a three-fifths majority -- were needed to adopt the constitutional change. Immediately after the bill was approved, Prime Minister Binali Yildirim said the "last word" would be said by the people in a referendum, expected to be held in April. "No one should have any doubt of this, on the issue of constitutional change, the most correct decision will certainly be given by the people." The bill would create an executive presidency for the first time in modern Turkey and give the president the power to appoint and fire ministers. In addition, the post of prime minister will be abolished for the first time in the country's history and replaced by a vice president, or perhaps several. Top stories Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads. Partner news | Titus, Bilirakis lead legislation to sanction Azerbaijani war criminals Representatives Dina Titus (D-NV) and Gus Bilirakis (R-FL) have introduced the bipartisan legislation. Armenia: Defense Ministry warns against involving army in political processes The Ministry’s statement came after a video surfaced online, showing soldiers joining the protests in Tavush. Scholz hopes Armenia-Azerbaijan peace treaty will be signed this year German Chancellor Olaf Scholz hopes that a peace treaty between Armenia and Azerbaijan will be signed this year. Ucom equips four bus stops in Ijevan with free Wi-Fi Ucom now provides free Wi-Fi coverage in smart bus stops in four communities of Ijevan. |