Turkey Tightens Restrictions, MHP's Bahceli Provides His Vision of a New Constitution

LOCAL NEWS

• Interior ministry institutes ban on all but 'essential' goods by businesses starting 7 May. Only pet food, cosmetics, hygiene products and food will be allowed to be purchased.
  • The banning of cigarettes and alcohol has been met with concern by the public and (similar to South Africa) may cause a drag on Sin Tax if held for a long period
• MHP's Bahceli introduces the 100 point plan for a new constitution – envisaging an overhaul of the judiciary, expanding certain members power and closing parties (HDP) which will soon be presented to Erdogan for discussion.
  • Erdogan has said he hopes the new constitution will be ready for public debate by 2022, but the AKP has yet to release any details of its plans
• Turkish officials are discussing roadmaps for a gradual reopening from full lockdown if cases drop to 100 per 100,000 people (from current 400/100k) supported by the vaccination drive at the end of the 17-day full lockdown ending May 17th.
  • Health Expert warns, however, that premature lifting of restrictions could see cases surge by end-June
• Turkish delegation arrives in Egypt today for two-day visit in an effort to normalise relations in the first high-level visit since 2013