UPDATES WITH MORE QUOTES FROM PM YILDIRIM
By Ilhan Toprak and Mumin Altas
ANKARA (AA) – Snap elections are not on the government’s agenda, Prime Minister Binali Yildirim said Tuesday.
Speaking to reporters ahead of his ruling Justice and Development (AK) Party’s Central Executive Board meeting in Ankara, Yildirim said general elections in Turkey will be held as planned in 2019.
“There is no need to make confusion about the stability of the country by making snap elections a current issue,” the premier said.
He also discussed the constitutional reform package and the upcoming referendum.
“Following the approval of parliament, we will explain the new articles to our citizens [during the referendum period] and then we will continue on our way,” Yildirim said.
Lawmakers on Sunday adopted the last article of a constitutional reform package that allows a partisan president.
The second round of voting on the historic constitutional reform package is planned to take place on Jan. 18. The AK Party aims to approve six articles per day in the second round of voting and finish by Jan. 21.
The government plans to hold a referendum on the proposed sweeping changes to the constitution in the beginning of April.
Yildirim also addressed the capture of the main suspect of the Istanbul night club attack, in which 39 people were shot dead on New Year’s Eve.
“This is a significant development for us,” he said.
He also said the government would continue to take all necessary steps for economic growth and development.
“Our citizens and businessmen should make their plans for future investments and continued stability,” he said.
Asked about a meeting between top economy officials and President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Monday night, Yildirim said: “What needs to be done for the future of the Turkish economy, was discussed.”
The Turkish economy stands on a strong base, he added.
“We are in a better position than many countries. The fluctuation in currency is temporary and has a limited impact,” he said. “The Turkish Central Bank will not hesitate to take whatever steps are necessary.”
He told reporters that the Central Bank is independent and that it would be wrong to say what it will do.
