Turkey's opposition alliance vowed on Monday to cut down the president's powers and expand democratic rights as it unveiled its platform ahead of the May elections.
The six parties united against President Recep Tayyip Erdogan also pledged to agree next month on a joint candidate for the presidency.
The opposition's 2,300-point programme aims to roll back many of the powers Mr Erdogan has amassed during his two-decade rule.
"We will shift to a strengthened parliamentary system," it said, adding it "will put an end to the president's power to issue decrees".
The presidential and parliamentary elections on May 14 — the 73rd anniversary of Turkey's first free elections — are widely seen as the country's most consequential in generations.
Mr Erdogan announced last week that the elections would be brought forward from June.
The leadership race is poised to be tight, with opinion polls projecting no clear favourite.
Mr Erdogan served three terms as prime minister from 2003 and was elected president — then a far less powerful post — when his mandates ran out in 2014.
He has since introduced constitutional changes that allow the president to effectively rule by decree.
The opposition pledged to "urgently" amend the constitution and "put an end to the vague and arbitrary restriction of the freedoms of assembly and demonstration".
Mr Erdogan launched sweeping purges after a failed coup attempt in 2016, with thousands detained on terror-related charges.
His ruling Justice and Development party (AKP) has since clamped down on opposition, particularly from the pro-Kurdish People's Democratic Party (HDP) which has hundreds of lawmakers and supporters behind bars.
Its former leader, Selahattin Demirtas, has been in jail since 2016 on charges of insulting the president, while HDP members have been dismissed from official posts and replaced with pro-AKP figures.
The opposition has also vowed to make Turkey's TRT national broadcaster and Anadolu state news agency abide to "the principles of independence and impartiality".
AFP contributed to this report
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UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Pharaoh's curse
British aristocrat Lord Carnarvon, who funded the expedition to find the Tutankhamun tomb, died in a Cairo hotel four months after the crypt was opened.
He had been in poor health for many years after a car crash, and a mosquito bite made worse by a shaving cut led to blood poisoning and pneumonia.
Reports at the time said Lord Carnarvon suffered from “pain as the inflammation affected the nasal passages and eyes”.
Decades later, scientists contended he had died of aspergillosis after inhaling spores of the fungus aspergillus in the tomb, which can lie dormant for months. The fact several others who entered were also found dead withiin a short time led to the myth of the curse.
Profile
Co-founders of the company: Vilhelm Hedberg and Ravi Bhusari
Launch year: In 2016 ekar launched and signed an agreement with Etihad Airways in Abu Dhabi. In January 2017 ekar launched in Dubai in a partnership with the RTA.
Number of employees: Over 50
Financing stage: Series B currently being finalised
Investors: Series A - Audacia Capital
Sector of operation: Transport
What the law says
Micro-retirement is not a recognised concept or employment status under Federal Decree Law No. 33 of 2021 on the Regulation of Labour Relations (as amended) (UAE Labour Law). As such, it reflects a voluntary work-life balance practice, rather than a recognised legal employment category, according to Dilini Loku, senior associate for law firm Gateley Middle East.
“Some companies may offer formal sabbatical policies or career break programmes; however, beyond such arrangements, there is no automatic right or statutory entitlement to extended breaks,” she explains.
“Any leave taken beyond statutory entitlements, such as annual leave, is typically regarded as unpaid leave in accordance with Article 33 of the UAE Labour Law. While employees may legally take unpaid leave, such requests are subject to the employer’s discretion and require approval.”
If an employee resigns to pursue micro-retirement, the employment contract is terminated, and the employer is under no legal obligation to rehire the employee in the future unless specific contractual agreements are in place (such as return-to-work arrangements), which are generally uncommon, Ms Loku adds.
How to protect yourself when air quality drops
Install an air filter in your home.
Close your windows and turn on the AC.
Shower or bath after being outside.
Wear a face mask.
Stay indoors when conditions are particularly poor.
If driving, turn your engine off when stationary.
