Gov't Will Not Allow Labor Day Celebrations In Taksim Square

Arınç has categorically ruled out permission to hold Labor Day rallies in İstanbul's famed Taksim Square, the origin and flashpoint of last year's summer protests, saying that police will intervene to disperse people gathering in the square.

Arınç told reporters that it is wrong to claim that all trade unions want to hold rallies in Taksim Square, arguing that some trade and labor unions, organized under the Confederation of Revolutionary Workers' Unions (DİSK) want to foment chaos and revive tension by insisting on being in Taksim Square on May 1. He said DİSK had been told about the restriction on rallying in Taksim Square, adding, "It is obvious that Taksim is not a place for rallies and demonstrations."

Arınç also claimed that ongoing construction projects in Taksim Square are the primary reason why authorities denied access to the square on May 1 of last year, referring to a number of massive construction projects under way for a long time.

Arınç, who is also the official government spokesperson, said the ruling Justice and Development Party (AK Party) government has officially recognized May 1 as Labor Day. He believes the governor's office will allow a small group representing trade and labor unions to read out a statement in Taksim Square, but a large, day-long gathering won't be tolerated. The deputy prime minister said police would intervene to disperse the crowd in Taksim Square and that legal action would be filed against participants, as it would be an unsanctioned rally.

When asked about the government's intention to change the electoral system, Arınç recalled a reform package that Prime Minister Recep Erdoğan announced last September. Erdoğan offered three options: to maintain the current system by lowering the electoral threshold; to have a single-member majoritarian system; or to employ a multi-member majoritarian system.

Arınç said the AK Party is currently working on the last two options, and complained that the opposition hasn't supported possible reforms to the electoral system.

Arınç said they only have one month left to change the electoral system because changes to the Constitution should be made at least one year before an election.

(Cihan/Today's Zaman)