Ankara: The reforms of the legal system, democracy, freedoms and the economy aim for a more prosperous and democratic Turkey, Presidential Communications Director Fahrettin Altun said.
Speaking to Daily Sabah in an exclusive interview, Altun elaborated on Turkey’s new set of reforms while stressing that the new period is actually a continuation of the country’s rise in all fields over the last 18 years.
Turkey is entering a new period in terms of its economy, judiciary and social fields of which President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan gave the first clues on Nov. 11 during his speech at Parliament. Among these are reforms and regulations related to Turkey’s investment climate and legislation backed by an efficient judicial system, and the strategy would be based on stability, lower inflation and international investment.
The new period of reform will also address the significant fields of human rights and the judicial system.
As the president underlined, the country is expected to establish a balance in which freedoms and security complement one another.
During this period, Turkey will simultaneously finalize its Human Rights Action Plan while strengthening the foundation of the public power that protects freedoms.
“We have been going through a very valuable 18-year period in which our president’s political movement and cadres achieved significant success. Significant steps were taken for Turkey to be more active in the region and international arena, … for Turkey’s democratization and the promotion of the people’s welfare. These achievements naturally raised the standards in Turkey as well as expectations. Being aware of this, our president is constantly working to set a higher standard for democracy, welfare and national security,” he stated.
Altun said that Turkey gained vital victories in steps toward democratization, EU reforms and constitutional amendments while the target is still to carry the country to a future of prosperity, freedom and security.
“We see democracy as a continuing process. This process will never end. When new developments pose new threats to our freedoms, we try to make new reforms and build a system that will protect them,” Altun said, summarizing the spirit of the new reform phase.
Emphasizing the fact that freedom and security are not contradictory notions for Turkey, he said: “We have never seen these notions as a dilemma but principles that complement each other. Terrorism targets not only our lives but also our freedoms.” –Agencies
