Taner Özgür, President of the Business World Federation, reacted strongly to the statement of Numan Kurtulmuş, the Speaker of the Grand National Assembly of Turkey, who said, “The phrase ‘The State of Turkey is indivisible with its country and nation’ in the Constitution should be changed.” Özgür stated in a written statement that they will not allow such changes to play with Turkey’s fundamental values.
“Turkey’s Unity is Our Red Line”
Taner Özgür stated that it is unacceptable to open the unity and integrity of the Republic of Turkey to discussion and said, “Turkey’s constitution is the guarantee of the will of the people and the continuity of the state. Any changes to such sensitive articles will only pave the way for attempts to divide our country. The State of Turkey is an indivisible whole with its country and nation, this statement is our red line.”
“Damages Economic and Social Stability”
Özgür stated that Turkey has experienced great economic and social transformations, especially in recent years, and that such a constitutional amendment would undermine this stability and said, “As the business world, we do not accept any initiative that will harm the stability and prosperity of our country. Constitutional regulations should strengthen our national unity and solidarity while shaping Turkey’s future, and should encourage unity, not division.”
“The Constitution is the Foundation of National Unity”
Pointing out that Kurtulmuş’s statements could be the beginning of a dangerous process, Özgür said: “Amendments to the constitution should strengthen our national unity, not weaken it. We will stand against any proposal that will harm the fundamental values of the Republic of Turkey. We will never give way to the games that will be played on the integrity of the state.”
Taner Özgür emphasized that as the business world, they are firmly committed to the principle of national unity and solidarity and that such discussions could negatively affect the country’s development process. Özgür’s statement resonated widely in the political and business world.