Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Friday outlined his vision for Turkey in the next century and promised to adopt a new Constitution guaranteeing the rights and freedoms of citizens.

The Turkish leader's speech came a day before the 99th anniversary of the Republic Day, which marked the establishment of the Turkish Republic in 1923.

The Turkish president said that his ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) will submit to parliament next week a constitutional amendment on the right to wear the hijab, as well as on the protection of family values from the "threat of perverted currents."

Erdogan said his vision for Turkey includes making the country one of the top ten countries in the world in "politics, economics, technology, armed forces and diplomacy," while reducing energy dependence on foreign countries.

It is worth recalling that Turkey is preparing for parliamentary and presidential elections, which are scheduled for the summer of 2023. Erdogan has ruled Turkey for two decades and on the eve of the elections, his support is weakening due to the economic crisis, as a result of which the lira fell to a record low and inflation reached a 24-year peak.

"We want to give a strong start to the new century of the republic. The expiration date of the Constitution of the coup of September 12, 1980 has already expired," he said, referring to the fact that the Constitution of Turkey was drafted after the military coup of 1980.

According to the Turkish president, the new Constitution will strengthen "the rule of law, pluralism, justice and equality."

"The draft constitutional amendments will be submitted to Parliament next week to ensure that the rights to education and employment of all our girls and sisters, regardless of whether they wear hijabs or not, are fully realized. We also want to protect the family institution from the threat of perverted currents," Erdogan stressed.

Earlier last week, the President proposed to submit a constitutional amendment guaranteeing the right to wear the hijab in public service, in schools and universities, to a referendum.

Erdogan's government adheres to an anti-LGBT stance, which critics say he used to calm his conservative support before the election.

The Turkish leader confirmed plans to turn Turkey into an energy hub for Russian gas supplies to European countries. This proposal was first made by his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin earlier this month.

Exchange rates in Turkey - Exchange-turkey.com