“In order to confound you, ministers could be from parliament as well. Why not?” Erdogan told reporters in response to questions about the first cabinet to be named in a new presidential system.

With a constitutional reform package approved in a public referendum in April 2017, Turkey switched from a parliamentary to a presidential system of governance. According to the new system, cabinet ministers cannot simultaneously be members of Parliament.

“With the swearing-in ceremony on Monday, Turkey will step into a new era,” the Turkish president told the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) parliamentary group.

Speaking about Monday’s inauguration ceremony at the presidential palace following the swearing-in of new deputies in Parliament on Saturday, Erdogan said 22 presidents and 17 prime ministers, vice presidents and parliament speakers would be present at his palace.

Reporter’s code: 50101