Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has declared that he does not intend to run for president again, emphasizing the necessity for a new, civilian-drafted constitution to replace the current one, which he describes as a product of a military coup.

Speaking to journalists on May 22, 2025, upon returning from Hungary, Erdogan stated, "I have no intention of being re-elected or running for president again. We only care about improving our country's reputation. Turkey is changing; the world is changing. We are living in a new era. Do you think we can achieve anything in such a rapidly changing world with a constitution created during a coup d’etat in the old Turkey that still retains a putsch mentality? Turkey can no longer move forward with a constitution written by putschists."

Erdogan noted that his ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) is already working on drafting a new constitution and has called on the opposition to participate in this initiative. He emphasized that the current constitution, adopted in 1982 following a military coup, is outdated and unsuitable for the modern era.

Addressing calls from the opposition for early elections, Erdogan dismissed the necessity for such measures, stating, "If we look at the current situation in parliament, there are no circumstances there that require midterm elections. Two years ago, the country elected its representatives to the parliament for a five-year term."

Erdogan's announcement comes amid heightened political tensions in Turkey, including the recent arrest of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu, a prominent opposition figure and potential presidential candidate. İmamoğlu's detention has sparked widespread protests and increased scrutiny of Erdogan's administration.