Yavaş Calls for Parliamentary System, Criticizes Governance

Ankara Mayor Mansur Yavaş, from Turkey’s main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP), emphasized the need for a return to a parliamentary system during his speech at the 34th Ordinary General Assembly of the OSTİM Industrialists and Businesspeople Association (OSİAD) on Feb. 15.

Addressing industrialists and business leaders, Yavaş criticized the concentration of power in a single authority, citing a recent survey where 67 percent of respondents favored a transition back to a parliamentary system. "One person's power and capacity are not enough for everything," he said. "Even a computer would crash if it had to handle all decisions alone."

Governance and Judicial Independence

Yavaş stressed that the lack of transparency and accountability hindered effective governance, including within the Ankara Metropolitan Municipality. He pointed to developed nations where government transparency, public participation, and accountability were prioritized.

Drawing comparisons to Europe, he noted that officials often resign over minor infractions, while in Turkey, governance issues persist without consequences.

He also criticized the investigation into TÜSİAD President Orhan Turan, highlighting concerns over judicial independence. "No one should fear that politics will influence the judiciary," he remarked, warning that politically motivated legal actions discourage open dialogue and investment. "If no one speaks, how will we find the truth?"

Call for Systemic Change

Yavaş reaffirmed his support for a parliamentary system, arguing that it would strengthen governance and judicial independence. "I believe OSTİM's business community will benefit from such a transition," he said. "When that happens, I am confident we will reach better days together."