Emergency rule extension to be debated in Turkey

ANKARA

Parliament may discuss an extension to the ongoing state of emergency next week, ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) Deputy Group Chair Mustafa Elitaş said on Oct. 13.

“There is a possibility that the motion on extending the state of emergency could be debated on Tuesday [Oct. 17] or Wednesday [Oct. 18],” Elitaş told state-run Anadolu Agency.

He added that the government is waiting for a recommendation from the National Security Council (MGK) regarding an extension.

Noting that the current three-month period of the state of emergency would end on Oct. 19, the group chair said the discussion on an extension should take place next week pending a recommendation from the MGK and a motion from the government.

The MGK and the cabinet are due to meet next on Oct. 16, Elitaş said.

Turkey declared a state of emergency on July 20, 2016, five days after the failed coup attempt. It has been extended three times since then.

According to the Turkish Constitution, a state of emergency can be declared for a maximum period of six months.

During the state of emergency, the cabinet has the right to issue statutory decrees under the president of the republic without regard to routine procedures and restrictions in Article 91 of the constitution. These decrees are first published in the Official Gazette and then submitted to parliament for ratification.