Speaking to reporters about the possibility of a new and democratic constitution on Sunday before his departure for an official visit to India, Gül said: “This Parliament has missed the opportunity to pass a new constitution despite the consensus among society on the need for one. I don’t know how much they can achieve now making changes to it here and there.” Gül’s words were interpreted by some, including the opposition, as being at odds with the Justice and Development Party (AK Party) on adopting a new constitution and he was accused of acting like Sezer.The president, who has been on an official visit to India, responded to the claims as he spoke with several journalists. “I would never compare myself to one of my predecessors and I do not want to be compared, either. If some people are making this comparison, I think there are bad intentions behind it. What is important for me are my principles. I have never abandoned my principles so far and I won’t for the sake of [keeping] my post,” Gül told the journalists.
Gül also reacted to being perceived as against changing the Constitution. “On the contrary, I am the one who works for it [a new constitution] most. I am the one who wants it most. I spoke [about the Constitution] just to express my discontentment [about Parliament’s failure to take necessary steps],” he added.
Gül was also criticized as some said his remarks might be a “strategic step” to distance himself from the government ahead of the presidential elections in 2012 to gain wider support. On such arguments Gül said on Wednesday that it is not even clear how long his tenure will be. He was referring to the debate on the legal ambiguity over the president’s tenure. Commenting on the issue yesterday, the main opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP) leader, Deniz Baykal, said there was no controversy over the issue, implying that Gül will serve for five years in accordance with a recently adopted law.
