Erdogan urges AK Party to enhance his presidential powers

After securing Turkey’s presidency Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s next step is constitutional reform designed to beef up his powers as president.But his Justice and Development Party (AK Party) needs at least a two-thirds majority to change the constitution.“I said before that the presidential elections would be the starting gun for the 2015 [general] elections,” Erdogan told a meeting of AK Party provincial leaders broadcast on Turkish television.“Our target should be to acquire at least a majority to establish the new constitution. I don’t believe that you will compromise on this,” added Erdogan.Once Erdogan is inaugurated in two weeks, he won’t be able to campaign for the AK party.So he needs a strong party leader to take his place with enough support to make sure the AK Party gets the majority it needs in next year’s parliamentary elections.Erdogan’s successor will be elected at a party convention on August 27. That’s one day before he becomes president.(euronews.com)Bakudaily.Az