how does the legislative work in turkey

Daniel Parker

2 min read

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16-03-2025

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The Turkish legislative system, while rooted in parliamentary principles, has undergone significant transformations throughout its history. Understanding its current workings requires examining the roles of its key players and the stages involved in lawmaking. This article delves into the complexities of how legislation is created and passed in Turkey.

The Grand National Assembly of Turkey (TBMM): The Heart of Legislation

The Grand National Assembly of Turkey (TBMM) is the unicameral parliament, holding the sole legislative power in the country. Comprising 600 deputies elected through a proportional representation system, the Assembly's primary function is to create, amend, and abolish laws. Its power extends to approving the national budget, overseeing the government's actions, and ratifying international treaties.

Key Players in the Legislative Process:

• The President: While not directly involved in drafting legislation, the President plays a crucial role. They can initiate legislation, veto bills passed by the Assembly (although this veto can be overridden), and ultimately promulgate laws once they've been approved.
• The Government: The cabinet, led by the Prime Minister, is responsible for proposing the majority of legislation. Government bills typically enjoy a priority position in the Assembly's agenda.
• The Assembly Committees: Bills are initially assigned to relevant committees for review, discussion, and potential amendment. These committees play a vital role in shaping the final form of legislation.
• The Deputies: Individual deputies, whether part of the ruling coalition or the opposition, can also propose bills. These private member's bills often undergo the same rigorous committee process as government bills.

Stages of the Legislative Process in Turkey:

The process of passing a law in Turkey typically involves these steps:

1. Proposal: A bill can be introduced by the government, the President, or individual deputies.
2. Committee Review: The bill is referred to a relevant committee for detailed examination and potential amendment. Public hearings and expert testimony may be incorporated at this stage.
3. Assembly Debate and Voting: After committee review, the bill is presented to the full Assembly for debate and voting. Amendments can be proposed and voted upon. A simple majority is usually required for passage.
4. Presidential Review: Once passed by the Assembly, the bill is sent to the President for signature and promulgation.
5. Promulgation and Implementation: The President's signature transforms the bill into law, making it officially binding. The law is then published in the Official Gazette, making it legally enforceable.

Potential Obstacles and Challenges:

While the process appears straightforward, several factors can influence the legislative process in Turkey:

• Political Polarization: Strong political divisions can lead to protracted debates and difficulties in reaching consensus on critical legislation.
• Emergency Decrees: Under certain circumstances, the government can issue emergency decrees that have the force of law. This power has been a source of debate regarding checks and balances.
• Constitutional Court Review: The Constitutional Court can review laws for compatibility with the constitution. Laws deemed unconstitutional can be overturned.

Conclusion: A Dynamic and Evolving System

The Turkish legislative system is a complex and dynamic entity. While aiming for a balance between parliamentary principles and executive authority, its practical operation is often influenced by political realities and ongoing constitutional debates. Understanding the key players, stages of the legislative process, and potential challenges provides valuable insight into how laws are made and implemented within the Turkish political landscape. Further research into specific legislation and their passage can offer deeper understanding of the intricacies involved.