Erdogan says family, labor ministries to be merged

By Sedat Gok

ANKARA

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan announced early Thursday that the ministries of Family and Social Policies and Labor and Social Security will be united as part of a restructuring.

Erdogan's remarks came at a pre-dawn suhoor meal hosted by First Lady Emine Erdogan for youngsters at the presidential complex.

Addressing the questions of the young guests, Erdogan said: "We are now merging the Ministry of Family and Social Policies with the Ministry of Labor and Social Security."

Erdogan said the restructuring will provide new opportunities for the young people, advising the students to improve and educate themselves.

This April, parliament passed a bill for early elections on June 24, cementing Turkey’s move to a presidential system.

In an April 2017 referendum, Turkish voters approved the switch from a parliamentary system to a presidential one.

Six candidates are contesting in the June 24 presidential race while eight political parties are taking part in parliamentary elections.