Turkish President Recep Erdogan may remain at his post until 2029 if the powers of the executive are increased.

This is envisaged in the newest version of the project for constitutional amendments drafted by the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) to be submitted to a referendum next spring.

A representative of the authorities, who has seen the amendments, told Reuters that if the amendments are accepted at the referendum, Erdogan may assume the post of “acting” executive president, after which regular presidential elections will be held in 2019.

At present, the constitution limits Erdogan to two consecutive terms in office and if he wins the vote in 2019, he may not run for president after 2024.

But the new proposals may lead to a restarting of the chronometer i.e. at the next elections, Erdogan will run as if for the first time and will have the right to two consecutive terms in office again.

The draft project cited by Reuters envisages not only two 5-year mandates for the new president but the right to rule by decree on most issues without consulting Parliament.

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