The Latest: Erdogan seeks fast switch to presidential system
ANKARA, Turkey – The Latest on developments in Turkey after the prime minister announced his resignation (all times local):
4:15 p.m.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is pressing for a rapid switch to a presidential system, saying it will make Turkey stronger and more stable.
Erdogan was speaking on Friday a day after Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu announced he is stepping down amid a rift with the president over a range of issues, including a presidential system. Critics fear that would concentrate too much power in Erdogan’s hands.
Davutoglu, who was less than enthusiastic toward a presidential system, is widely expected to be replaced by someone who is more willing to push it forward.
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4:00 p.m.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan says Turkey won’t change its anti-terrorism legislation for the sake of visa-free travel to Europe for its citizens.
Erdogan’s statement on Friday came a day after Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu, who had negotiated the deal, stepped down over a rift with the president.
Addressing European countries, Erdogan said: “We’ll go our way, you go yours.”
The EU is asking Turkey to revise its terrorism laws as a condition for allowing Turkish citizens to travel to Europe without visas on short stays. Erdogan has been pressing for a broader definition of terrorism.
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