Davutoğlu joins political polemics, maintains civil tone

Davutoğlu’s comments in the campaign regarding several figures and arguments by these figures have been dominated by wording befitting a politician rather than an academic-turned-politician, as he did not use sophisticated academic language.

Calling Davutoğlu a perfectionist would not be an overstatement. “When Mr. Davutoğlu assumes any duty, he wants to do it properly and thus acts and works accordingly,” an advisor working with him closely at the Foreign Ministry told Sunday’s Zaman.

Davutoğlu’s messages during his tour of several cities were dominated by his focus on the nation’s will and the strength this will gives to the government’s policies both abroad and at home. Nonetheless, the minister has not refrained from responding to several counterarguments directed at the package. The main opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP), the pro-Kurdish Peace and Democracy Party (BDP) and the country’s top business club have all received a share of Davutoğlu’s delicate criticism.

To CHP, Kılıçdaroğlu

In an interview with the NTV news channel broadcast live on Tuesday, Davutoğlu was reminded of the fact that CHP leader Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu is planning on having talks with European Union officials during a visit to Brussels scheduled to take place following the Sept. 12 referendum.

The Foreign Ministry would be glad to see the main opposition leader visit Brussels, Davutoğlu noted.

“If he [Kılıçdaroğlu] is able to go to Brussels and criticize the constitutional package there as well and will be able to say there that ‘these articles are against the European Union,’ then let him say the same things in Ankara, in Tunceli and in İzmir, too,” Davutoğlu said.

“However, if he will not be able to say this in Brussels, then he should not say it in Turkey, either,” the minister added.

According to news reports, during the upcoming two-day visit to Brussels, Kılıçdaroğlu is expected to discuss the referendum campaign with EU officials. Some reports suggest that Kılıçdaroğlu will tell EU officials that the government has put pressure on both businesspeople and the media during the campaign. The referendum on the constitutional reform package is not an issue for political debate, Davutoğlu argued. Domestic discussions on the process will pass in time, but the constitutional reform will remain, he said.

Calling on Turks to display a clear stance against the current Constitution, a legacy of the 1980 coup d’état, Davutoğlu said this matters much for “international prestige.”

To TÜSİAD

Since the Turkish Industrialists and Businessmen’s Association (TÜSİAD) has made no move to back the constitutional amendment package, which has been applauded by many, including the EU, Prime Minister Erdoğan has been uneasy and has called on everyone to show their “colors.”

TÜSİAD’s silence has led Erdoğan to question its tradition of getting involved in discussions on national matters and its sincerity in supporting a better democracy and integration with the EU. Erdoğan had strong words for the bosses’ club and urged them to clearly and honestly define their position.

Asking one to express his conviction does not necessarily mean urging him to say “yes” or “no,” Davutoğlu said during the same interview on Tuesday when reminded of the stances of TÜSİAD and some civil society organizations regarding the referendum.

According to him, expressing a conviction about the constitutional referendum is “a requirement of citizenship and of being an intellectual,” Davutoğlu elaborated.

“Remaining silent vis-a-vis an effort of civilianization, which is so sharp and clear, is not right. Civil society organizations should be more demanding; I wish they would say: ‘These are good, but we want more. We want a new constitution’,” he added.

To boycotters

As of Wednesday, on his visit to Ağrı, Davutoğlu addressed those who favor boycotting the referendum, without naming any political party or group. But his remarks clearly addressed the pro-Kurdish BDP, which is urging its supporters to boycott the Sept. 12 referendum.

“The more that is asked of people and the more their support is gained, the more politics will become strong. Now, a question will be posed to you on Sept. 12. This question is not one related to political parties. Unfortunately, the situation has been reflected extremely inaccurately, as if it were a vote of confidence for the government or as if it were a battle between parties. No. As a matter of fact, constitutional reform is a study that involves and that needs to involve all segments of all of our people. Take no heed of those who call for a boycott. You own this country and you will decide how the Constitution -- which will be the basis of this country’s governance -- should be,” Davutoğlu said.