Turkish Parliament Extends Session into July Amid Legislative Push

Turkey's Grand National Assembly (TBMM) will extend its working period into July, foregoing its traditional summer recess. The decision, stemming from a proposal by the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP), aims to expedite the legislative process for several key bills.

The AKP's proposal, approved by the General Assembly, means parliament will continue its sessions beyond the usual July 1 start of recess. This extended schedule is intended to allow for the completion of discussions on various legislative proposals, including those concerning security forces and the press.

However, the move has drawn sharp criticism from the main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP). Murat Emir, Deputy Chairman of the CHP Group, denounced the proposal as "extremely unserious" and lacking respect for the parliament and the national will. He argued that such decisions should be made with greater gravity, considering the historical significance of legislative work.

The revised parliamentary calendar will prioritize the completion of specific legislative proposals, with session hours adjusted to ensure these bills are addressed. The parliament is scheduled to work through several key proposals in the coming weeks, with a break planned only for the NATO summit in Ankara in early July.