ANKARA — The Speaker of the Grand National Assembly of Türkiye (TBMM), Numan Kurtulmuş, held a wide-ranging evaluation meeting to mark the conclusion of the 28th Term’s 4th Legislative Year. During the session, Kurtulmuş addressed a variety of pressing national and international issues, ranging from ongoing investigations into capital market transactions and the pursuit of a "terror-free Türkiye" to the necessity of a new constitution and the current state of regional security agreements.
Throughout his address, Kurtulmuş emphasized the central role of the Turkish Parliament as the ultimate authority in the country’s democratic processes, asserting that the will of the nation remains the primary driver of legislative and political change.
Ensuring Integrity in the Capital Markets
One of the most critical topics addressed by the Speaker concerned the ongoing investigations into transactions within the capital markets. Kurtulmuş expressed his firm hope that these investigations would remain contained within a narrow criminal scope, preventing any potential fallout that could undermine broader confidence in the Turkish economy. He stressed that the integrity of the financial system is paramount and that the legal process must be allowed to reach its conclusion without interference or favoritism.
"I hope this matter remains a criminal issue within a very limited area and does not reach a point that shakes confidence in the Turkish economy," Kurtulmuş stated. He called for a thorough and uncompromising approach to the investigations, insisting that anyone involved, regardless of their position or connections, must be held accountable before the law. "For this reason, without looking at anyone’s tears, whoever is involved and wherever it leads, these investigations must be completed, and those responsible must be ensured to give an account before the court."
The Path to a Terror-Free Türkiye
Turning to the domestic security landscape, Kurtulmuş provided updates on the "National Solidarity and Strengthening of Social Integration" initiative. He announced that a monitoring commission, planned under the scope of this law, would be established shortly after the Parliament reconvenes for the new session. The structure, membership, and operating principles of this commission are to be determined through negotiations with various political parties.
Kurtulmuş described the commission as a functional body rather than an executive one. Its primary purpose is to oversee the process of national integration and the cessation of terrorist activities. He highlighted that unlike many international conflict resolution processes that rely on a "third eye"—typically a foreign country or international organization—Türkiye’s process would be uniquely domestic.
"The ‘third eye’ is the nation itself and the TBMM, which represents the nation," Kurtulmuş explained. "The commission to be formed in the TBMM will serve as a body that monitors this process on behalf of the nation, so to speak."
Regarding the reports from the field on the disarmament and dissolution of terror organizations, Kurtulmuş noted that the process is proceeding "smoothly." He reaffirmed the government’s resolve to see the "terror-free Türkiye" initiative through to its successful conclusion, despite any attempts at provocation or interference by those who benefit from regional instability. He also linked these domestic efforts to broader regional developments in Syria and Iraq, which he believes support the goal of a region free from terrorism.
In this context, Kurtulmuş urged a shift in both mindset and rhetoric. He argued that for lasting peace, it is not enough to simply lay down weapons; the idea of armed struggle must be abandoned in the minds of those involved. "We must revise our language in a way that this period requires," he said, advocating for a constructive discourse that avoids both separatist and exclusionary tones. He reminded his audience that Turks and Kurds have lived together as brothers for centuries and that the current process is about gathering the pieces of a geography that imperialist powers sought to divide a century ago.
Constitutional Reform and Legislative Efficiency
A significant portion of Kurtulmuş’s address was dedicated to the ongoing debate regarding the need for a new constitution. He described the current political environment in the TBMM as exceptionally suited for such a task, despite the lack of a single-party majority. He argued that the presence of many different political parties and ideas makes the current Parliament an ideal venue for "negotiative democracy."
"No single party has the constitutional majority to make a new constitution on its own," Kurtulmuş noted. "This necessitates that parties come together. Everyone has their own ideal constitution, but we must create a common, strong, democratic, and participatory constitution that meets Türkiye’s current needs and carries the country into the future."
Beyond the constitution, the Speaker identified the Political Parties Law and the Election Law as essential documents that require modernization. He also highlighted the need for a new set of Internal Regulations for the Parliament to streamline legislative work and ensure a more democratic flow of debate. Furthermore, he proposed the creation of a Political Ethics Law to enhance the integrity of the democratic process.
When asked about the possibility of early elections, Kurtulmuş was dismissive, stating that he does not expect such a decision from the Parliament in the near future. He clarified that in the Turkish legal system, the concept is technically the "renewal of elections," a decision that requires a 360-vote majority in the TBMM. "The TBMM is currently preparing for an election on schedule," he affirmed.
MEKKE AGREEMENT
Addressing international defense cooperation, Kurtulmuş commented on the Mekke Joint Defense Agreement signed between Türkiye, Pakistan, and Saudi Arabia. He clarified that the agreement has not yet been submitted to the TBMM, which is a requirement for it to enter into force. He anticipated that the matter would reach the Parliament’s agenda shortly after the opening of the new legislative session.
Kurtulmuş also pushed back against claims that the agreement was directed against Iran. He asserted that the primary source of instability in the region is the aggressive policy of the current Israeli government. "We do not see the Mekke Agreement as an agreement against Iran, and it should never be so," he stated. Instead, he framed it as a cooperative effort to ensure the security of the region and the broader Islamic geography. He expressed hope that the agreement might eventually expand to include other regional actors, including Iran.
FİLİSTİN’İ DESTEKLEYEN PARLAMENTOLAR GRUBU
The Speaker also took the opportunity to praise President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s recent address to the 81st United Nations General Assembly. He contrasted the warm reception and standing ovation received by Erdoğan with the protests that met Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
"It was an exceedingly important, historical speech," Kurtulmuş said of Erdoğan’s address. He described the protest against Netanyahu as more than just a political statement; it was a "declaration of humanity" by those who refused to share a room with a leader they associate with the violence in Gaza. Kurtulmuş predicted that the Israeli government would face increasing international isolation. "No matter where they flee, they will surely give an account for these crimes committed against humanity," he added.
He highlighted that the TBMM remains one of the most active parliaments in the world regarding the Palestinian cause. Since October 7, 2023, the Parliament has passed nine separate presidential motions related to Israel’s actions in Gaza and humanitarian aid efforts, all of which have become official state policy. The "Parliamentarians for Palestine" group, an initiative led by the TBMM, has seen participation from 30 countries and is expected to grow into a major international platform.
Legislative Productivity and Institutional Sustainability
Providing a statistical overview of the 4th Legislative Year, Kurtulmuş painted a picture of a highly industrious institution. He reported that 571 law proposals were submitted by deputies, while the President submitted the Budget and Final Account Law proposals. During this period, 36 laws were enacted, and 41 Parliamentary Decisions were taken. The General Assembly worked for a total of 929 hours and 21 minutes over 125 sessions, producing approximately 24,150 pages of transcripts.
The oversight function of the Parliament was also active, with 14,354 parliamentary questions submitted. Kurtulmuş noted that he regularly encourages ministers and the Vice President to provide timely and effective answers to these inquiries. In line with modern administrative practices, the Parliament has also moved toward a "paperless" system, delivering responses to deputies via email and SMS.
Finally, Kurtulmuş detailed the Parliament’s commitment to sustainability and fiscal responsibility. Since June 2023, savings measures have resulted in the conservation of 2.5 million kilowatt-hours of electricity, 300,000 cubic meters of natural gas, and 20,000 tons of water. The TBMM is also investing in renewable energy, including the establishment of a solar power plant in Konya and another in the Parliament’s multi-story parking lot. These investments are expected to contribute an additional 115 million TL to the economy. The Parliament’s main buildings have also earned "green certificate" status, marking a significant step in its environmental efforts.
