The Turkish parliament passed the provision of the constitutional reform that assumes a transition to presidential system in Turkey, according to Anadolu news agency of the country.

The ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) had submitted the respective draft constitutional amendments to parliament.

These amendments expand the powers of the President of Turkey. In particular, he is given the right to give orders to and appoint ministers, and to put constitutional amendment-related matters to referendum. Moreover, the President may no longer give up his political party membership.