The Youth Convenes in Samsun to Discuss the New Constitution The last meeting of the Constitution Platform Citizens’ Assembly was held in Samsun with the contributions of young citizens from all over Turkey.

SAMSUN – Young citizens from all over Turkey convened in Samsun to discuss the new constitution.

The eighth meeting of the Constitution Platform Citizens’ Assembly series, which was started by thirteen syndicates, professional organizations and non-governmental organizations under the secretariat of TEPAV, was held in Samsun on Sunday, 25 March 2012. The meeting hosted  young citizens from Samsun and other provinces and young representatives from civil society organizations.

Speaking during the opening ceremony of the meeting, TOBB President M. Rifat Hisarcıklıoğlu pointed at the economic targets for the 100^th anniversary of the Republic and said, “We are seeking to increase per capita income to $25, 000 in eleven years. The new constitution lies at the center of the road to prosperity.” Stressing that it was not possible to remedy the flaws without a new constitution, he added:

“We do not have a minute to waste. A new constitution is necessary for all of us, for you, the young citizens. You are the future of this country. This is why you must have the say for the new constitution. It is important for us to be with the youth here in Samsun, where the foundations of the Republic of Turkey were laid. Today you will speak for your future.”

“We can succeed if we can preserve this atmosphere just for a year”

Parliament Speaker Cemil Çiçek stated that the atmosphere created during the meeting showed the picture the entire country wanted to see. He said:

“If we can achieve this atmosphere throughout the country, if we are able to convey our views, ideas and criticisms in a civilized manner to others who think differently, if we can protect this atmosphere just for a year, we can successfully make a new constitution and solve the pressing problems of Turkey.”

He added, “We must be able to make a new constitution in line with the instructions from the people. This determination also will improve Turkey’s reputation and the confidence in the politics.” He stressed that the views of women and young people were  of significance in the constitution-making process.

Problems of the youth also discussed

During the opening ceremony, the AKP, CHP and MHP MPs representing the Constitution Committee and representatives from the civil society organizations and syndicates forming the Constitution Platform delivered remarks. Following the opening ceremony, participants discussed and voted on the options about constitutional issues and youth-specific subjects such as the tertiary education system.

The Constitution Platform initiative group involves TOBB, TZOB, TESK, TÜRK-İŞ, TİSK, HAK-İŞ, MEMUR-SEN, KAMU-SEN, TÜRMOB, the Turkish Veterinary Medical Association, the Union of Turkish Bar Associations, the Association of Turkish Travel Agencies, and the Union of Turkish Public Notaries.

The initiative welcomes contributions from other institutions among which are TÜSİAD, TİM, MÜSİAD, TUSKON, TÜMSİAD, TÜRKONFED, the Women’s Constitution Platform, the Turkish Federation of the Disabled, and the Civil Society Development Center.