Turkish officials criticize opposition protests during parliamentary opening

During the opening session of the new legislative year at the Grand National Assembly of Turkey on October 1, opposition members staged protests against President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. Some lawmakers refused to stand as the President entered the General Assembly, while members of the Yeni Parti collectively left the hall as Erdoğan approached the podium to deliver his opening speech.

Presidential Advisor Mehmet Uçum criticized these actions, stating they are “clearly contrary to the constitutional system” and represent a failure to recognize democratic will. Uçum cited Article 104 of the Constitution, noting the President's authority to deliver an opening speech. He argued that while seeking to change positive law is legitimate, refusing to recognize it is “illegitimate.”

TBMM Speaker Numan Kurtulmuş also addressed the walkout by Yeni Parti members, describing the behavior as unacceptable in terms of democratic courtesy.