"We are deeply concerned that such a development will further divide Turkey and will put it into a serious internal and external crisis at a time when the Republic of Turkey is facing terrorism, economic difficulties and the threat of war. The Republic of Turkey will lose its qualifications as a democratic, secular and rule of law-based state if this proposal is legislated," the diplomats said in a statement as quoted by the Hurriyet newspaper.
On January 13, the parliament approved Article 8, under which the president will have the powers to appoint and dismiss ministers, with 340 votes in favor and 135 against. The final round of voting will take place later this week.
If the entire package is adopted with the approval of at least 330 lawmakers, a national referendum will be held on the issue. However, if 367 or more lawmakers support the bill, it can be passed into law without a referendum.
The controversial bill is described as a power-grab by Turkey's opposition Republican People's Party and pro-Kurdish Peoples' Democratic Party.
Never miss a story again — sign up to our Telegram channel and we'll keep you up to speed!
