Turkish Justice Minister Akın Gürlek declares current constitution ineffective, pushes for new civil charter

Justice Minister Akın Gürlek told officials in Kayseri that Turkey’s existing constitution has “lost its function” and poses serious risks to the state and the nation’s future. He said the lack of a comprehensive civil constitution underlies systemic legal and governance problems, echoing President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s calls for a new, citizen‑driven charter. Gürlek pledged that drafting a new constitution will remain at the top of the reform agenda and stressed the government’s resolve to protect the rule of law while continuing operations against crime and corruption.

The minister’s remarks were made during a visit with local officials and members of the ruling AK Party, where he highlighted the need for a “superior legal logic” that can simultaneously safeguard the state, democracy, and citizens. He framed the constitutional overhaul as a “democratic debt” owed to Turkish society.