Turkish President granted sweeping powers after referendum victory

Recep Tayyip Erdogan, the Turkish President consolidated his grip on the country after a narrow win in a referendum stripped powers from parliament and handed them to him in a move that left opponents pondering their next move in a fast shrinking space of civil and political liberties. The declaration of victory by Erdogan was even more controversial as it happened when counting was still underway. Supporters of Erdogan hailed the win as a pushback against European forces whom they accuse of meddling in their country’s affairs. The referendum means as President, Erdogan will have executor powers, and wield authority to publish decrees, powers previously belonging to the country’s cabinet. After a failed coup last year, 250 people were killed and about 45,000 critics, journalists arrested on Erdogan’s orders.

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editor@independent.co.ug