Proposed changes to the Turkish constitution, which would expand the president’s powers, have drawn hundreds of people to the streets of Ankara in protest.<br /><br /> <br /><br /> Police used tear gas and water cannon to move the crowds away from parliament.<br /><br /> <br /><br /> The main opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP), several NGOs and a number of lawyer’s associations called for the demonstration, which took place as parliament began debating the planned changes.<br /><br /> “Turkey is under occupation. The ones responsible for the explosions, clashes, weapons are the ones in power today. Why is there so much security, is there a war going on here?” one woman asked.<br /><br /> <br /><br /> President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has been pushing for an executive presidential system since taking office in August 2014.<br /><br /> For the changes to be made, 367 votes of approval are needed in the 550-seat parliament. If at least 330 ‘yes’ votes are cast, the motion will be put to a referendum. <br /><br /> The ruling AK Party, which Erdogan founded, has 316 eligible voters.<br /><br /> Up to 20 days of discussions are forecast before the parliamentary ballot.<br /><br /> Expectations are rife that the proposals will be put to a referendum. MPs from the far-right Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) are likely to side with Erdogan and the AKP.<br />
