BY FIKRET BILA
MILLIYET- We're seeing the 10th president of the Republic of Turkey , Ahmet Necdet Sezer, off from Cankaya today. In his seven years and three months in office, he took a stance appropriate to Ataturk's positions. In this respect, he'll take his place in the annals of history. He has been a statesman with a strong personality. He hasn't shifted with the political winds. He has grounded himself in the Constitution and Ataturk. He has safeguarded the founding philosophy and fundamental values of the republic. He has been loyal to his oath. His understanding of secularism and nation has proved that he understood Ataturk very well. He has been aware that the modern republic of Turkey is based on these two principles. He has been very careful to protect secularism and national unity. He hasn't let these two principles be damaged. He has never allowed these two values to be questioned by populism and has resisted both external and internal pressures without making concessions.
Recently, Sezer has mostly been criticized for supposedly not being impartial. The reason for these criticisms has been his stance on headscarves, the Board of Higher Education (YOK), rectors and appointments, which resulted from secularism, and the principles and revolutions of Ataturk. How should we see the impartiality of the president? In what issues is he impartial, and in which is he partial? The president is partial in issues included in his oath, carrying out the Constitution and Ataturk's principles and revolutions, which the Constitution is based on. It's his duty to be partial on these issues. This is what Sezer has done. He examined the laws and appointments according to the Constitution and the principle of secularism. He hasn't blocked the government and has taken great care to protect the principle of division of powers. He hasn't interfered in the government's policymaking within its sphere of power. He hasn't intervened in the government's actions unless they would have violated the Constitution. Another criticism of Sezer, that he didn't let businessmen on board his plane to fly abroad to seek new markets, he believes that such things should be done by the government and prime minister. He thinks that the president only has a role and duty in national initiatives, either in the economy or politics. He has behaved properly, as a matter of fact.
President Sezer and his family set good examples for society with their moderation. Neither Sezer nor members of his family have a soft spot. They haven't lived in luxury. They haven't sought out any privilege. They have led their lives as members of the society at the Cankaya Palace . His children have continued their work. They have neither gone into business to make use of this position, nor appeared in the media. They have always acted with the responsibility and awareness of being the president's children. His wife Semra Sezer has also won approval for her actions setting good examples. As a teacher of the republic, she has spearheaded important initiatives in education and training, especially in poor regions. But she hasn't done it in front of the TV cameras just for show. She hasn't expected applause. Sezer and his family are leaving Cankaya with good remarks about not only Cankaya but also people's minds and hearts. We wish Sezer and his family a healthy life full of happiness.