# Turkish constitutional reform proposals

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/turkish-constitutional-reform-proposals
> Updated: 2026-10-14T20:36:00.000Z. Sources: 17. Developments: 3.

Turkish officials have expressed support for the development of a new civilian constitution to replace the 1982 Constitution, which they characterize as a legacy of the military coup era.

Presidential Advisor Mehmet Uçum described a new constitution as an “inevitable necessity” for national progress. He argued that much of the current document retains the spirit of the coup and suggested that while the 28th term of the Grand National Assembly could address changes, completing the process during the 29th term is a more realistic goal. Uçum identified several non-negotiable elements for the new framework, including the unitary structure, secularism, and the current presidential system’s requirement of “50% plus one” to protect the will of the people.

Vice President Cevdet Yılmaz echoed these sentiments, stating that a future-oriented framework is essential to meet 21st-century requirements. Yılmaz emphasized that the process must be built on “broad social and political consensus” rather than being driven by a single party or alliance.

Expanding on these calls for reform, Justice Minister Akın Gürlek argued that the 1982 document is no longer sufficient. Speaking at a Presidency Legal Policy Board meeting, Gürlek criticized the existing constitution as a “patchwork quilt,” suggesting that frequent amendments have disrupted its systematic integrity. He noted that the document lacks legitimacy because it was drafted by a military junta under authoritarian circumstances and was not developed through a participatory or consensus-based process. Gürlek emphasized the need for a pluralistic and free legal framework prepared entirely by the nation's representatives.

## Claims

- Justice Minister Akın Gürlek stated that Turkey needs a new, democratic constitution that meets the needs of the era. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Gürlek characterized the 1982 Constitution as an undemocratic document prepared by a military junta following the September 12, 1980 coup. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- The Minister argued that a new constitution must be prepared through a participatory, pluralistic, and democratic process by national representatives. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Gürlek described the current constitution as a 'patchwork quilt' due to numerous amendments that have disrupted its systematic structure. (corroborated by 3 sources)

## Timeline

### 2026-10-14: Turkey Justice Minister calls for new democratic constitution

Justice Minister Akın Gürlek called for a new, democratic Turkish constitution to replace the 1982 version, which he described as an undemocratic product of a military junta.

10 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/turkey-justice-minister-calls-for-new-democratic-constitution

### 2026-10-11: Turkey Vice President Yılmaz discusses new constitution process

Vice President Cevdet Yılmaz stated that a new, future-oriented constitution is necessary for Turkey to move beyond the legacy of the 1980 military coup through broad social consensus.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/turkey-vice-president-ylmaz-discusses-new-constitution-process

### 2026-09-20: Mehmet Uçum calls for new civilian constitution in Turkey

Presidential Advisor Mehmet Uçum argues that a new civilian constitution is essential for Turkey, calling the 1982 Constitution a coup product and setting red lines for future reforms.

7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/mehmet-uum-calls-for-new-civilian-constitution-in-turkey

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Cite as: Turkish constitutional reform proposals. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/turkish-constitutional-reform-proposals