As part of the democratization process, the parliament has made light changes to a law that made it virtually impossible to prosecute state employees, but prosecution of policemen accused of torturing suspects, for instance, remains a rare occurrence. Many Turks support Sezer's courageous and principled stand. But the president is nevertheless on a collision course with the state institutions and the media which back them. The mainstream press, which until recently was praising Sezer for his modest lifestyle and integrity, appears to have largely turned against him, suggesting he is causing instability in the circles of power. The debate is focusing on the technical and legal aspects of the row between the president and the government, rather than on the real issues behind it.
Jurists disagree on the extent of the head of state's powers.
Some believe it is his privilege not to sign the decree, other say his only recourse is to sign and then apply to the Constitutional Court to have the decree rejected. The three coalition leaders, after a summit meeting, decided to tough it out. The draft was sent again, unchanged, to the presidential palace. Everyone should avoid any action that may plunge Turkey into a crisis. When Ecevit nominated Ahmet Necdet Sezer as a presidential candidate, he probably felt the judge's democratic views would be good for Turkey's image.