20.07.2026 12:50
AK Party Deputy Chairman Leyla Şahin Usta stated that they aim to complete the regulations on the agenda before the end of the legislative year of the Turkish Grand National Assembly (TBMM), and said that the Assembly is planned to go into recess at the end of July or at the beginning of August at the latest. Commenting on the debates over parliamentary immunity that have come to the public agenda, Usta stated that there is currently no work on the agenda of the TBMM regarding the lifting of parliamentary immunity.
AK Party Deputy Chairman Leyla Şahin Usta stated that they aim to complete the regulations on the agenda before the end of the Turkish Grand National Assembly's legislative year, and that the Parliament is planned to go into recess at the end of July or at the latest in early August.
ARE PARLIAMENTARY IMMUNITIES ON THE AGENDA?
Usta, commenting on the discussions over immunity that have come to the public's attention, stated that at this stage, there is no work in the TBMM agenda regarding the lifting of parliamentary immunities.
Usta noted that immunity processes proceed according to legal procedure, and that prosecutors must prepare reports as a result of investigations and send them to Parliament, but that there is currently no concrete file on the Parliament's agenda regarding this stage.
Usta said that therefore, they do not expect an agenda for lifting immunities in the short term.
Usta noted that the TBMM's regular work schedule continues, and stated that if necessary, Parliament could be called for an extraordinary session within the scope of the "Terror-Free Turkey" process.
EVALUATION OF THE "TERROR-FREE TURKEY" PROCESS
AK Party Deputy Chairman Leyla Şahin Usta, evaluating the "Terror-Free Turkey" process, said that the terror problem, considered one of Turkey's most important unresolved issues for many years, has reached a significant stage thanks to the strong will demonstrated by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and MHP Chairman Devlet Bahçeli.
Usta stated that the commission established within the scope of the process is conducting comprehensive work, expressed that the prepared report emerged through consensus, and emphasized that the findings in the report are important for Turkey's future.
Usta emphasized that the first thing that comes to mind when mentioning a Terror-Free Turkey is the disarmament process, noted that various steps have been taken in this regard and that the public is closely following them. Usta stated that the process is of great importance not only for Turkey but for the entire region, and said that the emerging peace and tranquility environment in Syria is also linked to these developments.
Usta noted that there is an environment of peace and security within Turkey's borders, and expressed their determination to completely eliminate elements that could pose a threat to the country across the border as well.
LEGISLATIVE WORK
Usta also touched upon the legislative work being carried out in the TBMM, stating that the goal is for preparations to be conducted not with proposals from a single party but through consensus among all political parties. Usta, who said discussions are ongoing, expressed belief that regulations that will pave the way for Turkey and the region will be implemented.
Usta stated that the work could be completed before Parliament goes into recess, and also said that if necessary, the TBMM could be called for an extraordinary session to discuss the regulations.
Usta emphasized that the main purpose of the process is the complete disarmament of the PKK and the end of its existence as a terrorist organization, and said that besides ending the armed struggle, necessary legal regulations will be made to prevent new formations from emerging. Reminding that the DEM Party has some demands, Usta noted that demands regarding democratization and political processes will be evaluated with common sense.
WILL THERE BE A GENERAL AMNESTY?
Usta, also answering the question about expectations for a general amnesty, stated that the state can pardon some crimes committed against it, but that victims' rights must be considered in crimes committed against individuals. Therefore, Usta said that the general amnesty expectations raised in the public should be evaluated correctly, and that the work being carried out is mainly aimed at the complete elimination of terrorist organizations such as the PKK, YPG, and PYD.
Usta also emphasized that there is no preparation for any regulation regarding FETÖ and Decrees with the Force of Law (KHK), stated that the July 15 coup attempt will not be forgotten and will not be allowed to be forgotten, and expressed that there is no amnesty or similar work on the agenda regarding the crimes committed within the scope of the coup attempt.
Leyla Şahin Usta stated that the ongoing contacts and visits will be decisive for the future of the process, and said that the final evaluation will be made based on the results of these meetings.
"POSITIVE INFORMATION FROM THE FIELD SHOWS THE PROCESS IS PROGRESSING"
AK Party Deputy Chairman Leyla Şahin Usta stated that the "Terror-Free Turkey" process is being carried out in coordination with state institutions, and said that developments on the ground are being closely monitored by the National Intelligence Organization (MİT), Ministry of Interior, and Ministry of National Defense.
Usta stated that the disarmament process is not limited to the images the public watches, and expressed that the complete withdrawal of organization members from regions they use as shelter and living spaces is one of the important elements of the process.
Usta noted that the process has reached its current stage through the evaluation of information coming from the field, and said that TBMM AK Party Group Chairman Abdullah Güler's resumption of visits to political parties and President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan's statements about completing the legal regulation as soon as possible indicate positive developments.
Usta stated that the DEM Party has expressed various suggestions and demands within the scope of the process, noted that these demands can be discussed, but said it would not be correct to make evaluations on matters about which he does not have information regarding the details of the state's work.
Usta also answered the question about the organization's senior executives, saying that the presence of senior figures of the organization in the disarmament images reflected to the public is an important development. Usta stated that the ultimate goal is to completely neutralize Kandil and end the use of the region by terrorist organizations, and expressed that the progress made on the ground has been effective in bringing the process to this point.
Usta stated that it will become clear where the process will reach after the visits are completed, and said it would not be correct to say that there is an agreed-upon draft at this stage. Usta noted that work continues, and stated that the outcome of the process will be seen together with the public after the meetings are completed.
"NEW CONSTITUTION SHOULD BE PREPARED WITH SOCIAL CONSENSUS"
AK Party Deputy Chairman Leyla Şahin Usta, commenting on the new constitution work, said that Turkey needs a civil, libertarian, and socially consensual constitution.
Stating that the current arithmetic in Parliament necessitates broad consensus for constitutional amendment, Usta said that all topics, including the Presidential Government System, are open to discussion in the new constitution process. However, he stated that it is not possible to mention a draft text that has been agreed upon at this stage.
Emphasizing that the 1982 Constitution is a product of the coup era, Usta stated that Turkey must completely break free from the understanding of military tutelage, and said that a shorter, simpler constitution that produces solutions to citizens' problems is targeted.
Stating that discussions on the presidential election system and the "50+1" requirement are also being considered within the scope of evaluations, Usta said that elections will be held on time in 2028, as announced by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.
Evaluating the debates on returning to the parliamentary system, Usta argued that the Presidential Government System has accelerated Turkey's decision-making processes and made significant contributions to the country's successes.
"THE BIGGEST PROBLEM IN PARLIAMENT. "
Also making assessments regarding the legislative activities of the Turkish Grand National Assembly, Usta said the biggest problem in Parliament is that political polemics overshadow law-making efforts. Claiming that the opposition adopts an attitude aimed at obstruction rather than making constructive contributions to many regulations, Usta stated that this situation negatively affects legislative activities.
Stating that comprehensive studies are carried out during the preparation process of draft laws, Usta said that impact analyses of regulations are conducted, consultations are held with relevant institutions, and their effects on citizens' daily lives are taken into account.
Also stating that the Presidential Government System can be improved, Usta expressed that regulations to strengthen the functioning between the legislature and the executive can always be discussed.
Also evaluating criticisms that MPs are indifferent to General Assembly work, Usta stated that especially ruling party MPs put intense effort into legislative activities and said he did not agree with assessments in this regard.
INCOME SUPPORT PROGRAM
AK Party Deputy Chairman Leyla Şahin Usta made evaluations regarding constitutional amendment, economy, and social support policies.
Stating that a referendum could be held if consensus is achieved in the new constitution studies, Usta said that a public vote is a constitutional option if the necessary parliamentary majority for constitutional amendment cannot be achieved. Reminding that the AK Party has previously submitted important constitutional changes to the nation's approval through referendums, Usta stated that the same method could be applied again if needed.
Stating that the economy is one of the government's priority agenda items, Usta said they are aware of the economic expectations of not only retirees and minimum wage earners but all segments of society.
Stating that regional developments directly affect the economy, Usta emphasized that oil and natural gas exploration activities are of great importance in order to reduce foreign dependency in the energy field. Stating that the fight against inflation is being pursued decisively, Usta expressed that with the improvement of global conditions, there will be relief in the Turkish economy as well.
RETIREMENT PENSION REGULATION
Noting that regulations regarding retirement pensions will be addressed within the scope of the Finance Package, Usta also announced that they are working on a comprehensive "income support program" that will restructure the social support system.
Stating that the prepared program will cover not only retirees but all households in need of economic support, Usta said that a new support model is being created that will take into account social criteria such as families' income status, rent burden, number of children, and education.
Stating that the supports are planned for those in genuine need rather than being distributed equally to everyone, Usta stated that justice will be maintained between high-income retirees and low-income citizens.
Emphasizing that the main goal of the program is to strengthen the family, Usta noted that rent support, education support, and similar social aids will be provided as a result of household-based assessments.
Stating that the work will continue throughout the summer, Usta said that the said income support program is planned to be among the priority regulations to be addressed in the new legislative term of the Turkish Grand National Assembly.
Stating that employment will also be one of the important pillars of the program, Usta expressed that individuals who are able to work will first be directed to suitable job opportunities, and if employment cannot be secured despite this, social support mechanisms will be activated.
NEW ERA IN THE FIGHT AGAINST ILLEGAL GAMBLING
AK Party Deputy Chairman Leyla Şahin Usta stated that new legal regulations are being worked on within the scope of combating illegal betting and gambling, and said that supervising activities carried out through digital platforms is a significant problem on a global scale.
Reminding that illegal betting is already a crime, Usta stated that the main difficulty is preventing these activities in the digital environment. Stating that meetings with relevant platforms are ongoing, Usta said that different options regarding the scope of legal betting applications are being evaluated, but a balanced approach is necessary on this issue.
Pointing out that excessively narrowing the legal betting field could direct users to illegal platforms, Usta emphasized that not only penal regulations but also awareness and preventive measures are important.
USTA'S EVALUATION OF THE "AHBAP INVESTIGATION"
Also making evaluations regarding the Ahbap Association, which was active during the earthquake period, Usta stated that she served in Hatay after the Kahramanmaraş-centered earthquakes, and said that during her visits to the region, she did not directly encounter the aids reported to have been delivered by Ahbap.
Claiming that the trust in some civil organizations during the earthquake process undermined trust in state institutions, Usta drew attention to the importance of citizens trusting official institutions.
Also evaluating the criticisms directed at the Red Crescent, Usta stated that the incident regarding the tent sale, which was discussed publicly during the earthquake period, was acknowledged as wrong by the managers of the time and that necessary administrative procedures were carried out.
Stating that despite this, the Red Crescent is a long-established institution operating on behalf of the state and the nation, Usta argued that it is not right to wear down the entire institution based on isolated incidents that occurred.Stating that some information and claims circulated in the public during the earthquake process caused panic in the field, Usta said that sharing unverified information during disaster periods could negatively affect both search and rescue efforts and the safety of citizens.
ACCOUNTABILITY OF DIGITAL ACCOUNTS
On the other hand, he stated that regulations regarding fraud crimes committed via IBAN under Article 158 of the Turkish Penal Code were enacted within the scope of the previously adopted judicial package.
AK Party Deputy Chairman Leyla Şahin Usta stated that regulations regarding digital platforms will be implemented more effectively in the new period, and said that regulations prepared especially for the protection of children will come into effect in September.
Referring to the meetings held with digital platform representatives in the Turkish Grand National Assembly, Usta stated that the platforms requested a clear framework regarding the rules to be implemented.
Reminding that the legal regulation regarding social media and digital channels was adopted, Usta stated that a six-month preparation period was foreseen for the implementation process, and noted that the application will begin with the regulation coming into effect in September.
Stating that consultations with digital platforms continue, Usta said that with the implementation of the regulations, digital channels will become more auditable and accountable.
Emphasizing that protecting children in the digital environment is one of the main priorities, Usta stated that the new regulations aim to create a safer digital environment in this area.
"IF THERE IS A CRIME, THE JUDICIARY WILL DO WHAT IS NECESSARY REGARDLESS OF POLITICAL IDENTITY"
AK Party Deputy Chairman Leyla Şahin Usta stated that investigations into municipalities should not be evaluated based on political identity, and said that legal processes are carried out within the framework of evidence.
Stating that investigations should be conducted without any discrimination of political parties, Usta said, "There cannot be an understanding that a municipality will not be touched because it is CHP. If there is a crime or suspicion of crime, the judicial process is carried out regardless of its political identity."
Stating that the AK Party's stance on this issue is clear, Usta said that the judiciary should fulfill its duty independently within the framework of the rule of law principle.
REGULATION ON CHILDREN DRAGGED INTO CRIME
AK Party Deputy Chairman Leyla Şahin Usta stated that following the recent severe violent incidents involving children, they are working on new regulations regarding the juvenile justice system, and said their aim is both to increase deterrence and to combat the causes that drag children into crime more effectively.
Stating that a perception of "impunity" has formed in society, Usta noted that some children act thinking that the crimes they commit will not have serious consequences. He stated that in order to break this perception, the sanctions to be applied to children for crimes involving intentional killing and grievous bodily harm will be increased.
According to the prepared regulation, more severe prison sentences are foreseen for children aged 12-15 in crimes involving intentional killing and causing grievous bodily harm to the victim, and life imprisonment is foreseen for those aged 15-18, stated Usta, adding that the execution provisions will be applied within the framework of existing legislation regarding children.
Stating that the regulation aims not only to increase penalties but also to strengthen protective mechanisms for preventing crime, Usta expressed that social service, education, psychological support, and rehabilitation measures for children will be applied more effectively by the courts.
Stating that new practices are also envisaged within the scope of combating digital addiction and violent content, Usta said that for children who are involved in the judicial process due to crime but do not receive punishment, the use of phones, tablets, and computers can be monitored by court order for certain periods.
Noting that health measures will also be strengthened, Usta stated that for children who pose a risk of harming themselves or their environment, the way will be opened for compulsory treatment to be applied based on an expert health report and court decision.
Stating that these regulations are prepared both to ensure the rehabilitation of children and to strengthen public safety, Usta said that relevant ministries will also take a more active role in children's social and psychological development processes.
"IF THERE IS NEGLIGENCE IN DRAGGING THE CHILD INTO CRIME, SANCTIONS FOR FAMILIES TOO"
AK Party Deputy Chairman Leyla Şahin Usta stated that within the scope of regulations prepared to prevent serious crimes involving children, provisions to increase the responsibility of families are also being worked on.
Stating that it is envisaged to apply criminal sanctions if the mother or father has negligence or fault in dragging the child into crime, Usta stated that according to the prepared proposal, in such a case, it will be possible to impose a prison sentence of three to four years on family members with responsibility.
Usta noted that the purpose of the regulation is not only punishment, but also to ensure that families fulfill their responsibilities in the child's development process more effectively and to prevent similar incidents.