Resisting Illegitimate Government is a Constitutional Duty, Argues Article
Translated from Turkish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- The current Turkish government faces legitimacy issues stemming from a controversial 2017 referendum and its disregard for constitutional court rulings.
- The article argues that resisting a government that has lost its legitimacy is a constitutional duty.
- This perspective frames opposition to the government as a legal and moral obligation based on constitutional principles.
The current administration in Turkey is grappling with significant questions about its legitimacy, rooted in both past electoral processes and ongoing actions. The article contends that the government's authority is compromised due to irregularities in the 2017 constitutional referendum, which altered the political system.
Furthermore, the government's alleged failure to adhere to decisions made by the Constitutional Court undermines its standing. This defiance of judicial rulings, coupled with other actions and statements deemed unconstitutional, creates a dual crisis of legitimacy. The source argues that the government is problematic on both fronts: the electoral basis and its adherence to the constitution.
Based on these perceived failings, the article posits that citizens have a constitutional obligation to resist a government that has lost its legitimate foundation. This perspective frames opposition not merely as a political choice but as a duty mandated by the constitution itself, particularly when the government is seen as acting outside the bounds of law and judicial oversight.
Originally published by Cumhuriyet in Turkish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.