ERDEM-NEWSLETTER-2018-metin

379 MISCELLANEOUS send the laws that he deems unsuitable for promulgation, along with the justification, back to Parliament for reconsideration. If Parliament adopted the law that had been sent back for reconsideration through a “simple majority” without any amendment, the law was to be pro- mulgated by the President. But now, these laws would be promulgated only if it is adopted by the absolute majority of Parliament. Therefore, the executive body holds the authority to consider the decisions of the legislative body. Thus, veto power, with a complicating effect, instead of a delaying effect, is granted to the President. In the new system, the budget of the state is determined by the President and presented to Parliament. Previously, Parliament was mandated to prepare the budget. In addition, if Parliament does not ap- prove the budget prepared by the President, the President is then able to increase the previous year’s budget by the re-evaluation rate. This means that another inspection authority of Parliament on the executive body has been abolished. Further, the President is granted the authority to declare a state of emergency. Formerly, this authority was exercised by the Council of Ministers meeting under the chairpersonship of the President. Duties and Powers of the Parliament Formerly, nomination of a candidate for the Presidency from amongst its members, or fromoutside the Parliament, required a written proposal of twenty deputies. Furthermore, political parties with more than ten percent of the valid votes, in sum, in the latest parliamentary elections could nominate a joint candidate. Now, political party groups with more than, jointly or separately, five percent of the valid votes, in sum, in the latest parliamentary elections, and one hundred thousand voters may nominate a candidate for the Presidency. The reduction of electoral threshold from ten percent to five percent, and allowing voters’ direct nominations, are positive changes. However, the aboli- tion of the deputies’ rights to nominate is another obstacle that is now beyond their mandate. In the past, the deputies had the authority to request information by asking verbal questions to the Prime Minister and the Council of