The result of this is that PACE will step up its monitoring of the state of democracy in Turkey, and the extent to which the country meets its obligations as a member of the Council of Europe, including the respect for human rights and the principle of the rule of law.

Whether or not to step up the monitoring of Turkey was the most difficult question during the debate on the report “The functioning of democratic institutions in Turkey”, which was presented by Ingebjørg Godskesen (Progress Party, Norway) and Marianne Mikko (MP, Estonia), PACE’s two rapporteurs on the issue, on Tuesday 25^th April. The report, widely acclaimed in the Parliamentary Assembly, was adopted by a large majority of 113 to 45.

“I hope that this report and the resolution to strengthen PACE’s monitoring may improve the dialogue between PACE and Turkey regarding the disturbing development of democracy in the country. Today’s situation for the people of Turkey is far from democratically sustainable,” said Ms Godskesen.

Worried that Turkey might withdraw

Ms Godskesen is concerned that the Turkish authorities might pull out of the Parliamentary Assembly as a result of the adopted report and the resolution.

“Even though they have threatened to do this, I hope it won’t happen, and that we can continue to work together. It’s so important to reverse the negative trends that we’ve been witnessing since before the attempted coup. PACE is keen to work closely with the Turkish authorities to reinforce democracy, human rights and the rule of law in the country,” she added.

The Parliamentary Assembly’s next report about the state of democracy in Turkey will be published during 2018.

The other member states of the Council of Europe that are currently under the monitoring procedure are Albania, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Georgia, Moldova, Russia, Serbia and Ukraine.

For further information

PACE's own article about this issue