Mnogi su taj referendum smatrali glasanjem povjerenja premijeru, koji se suočio s kritikama zbog svog dominantnog liderskog stila, kao i s obnovljenim izazovom od strane glavne opozicione stranke u parlamentu, Republikanske narodne stranke (CHP).
The referendum was viewed by many as a vote of confidence in the prime minister, who has faced criticism for his domineering leadership style, as well as a renewed challenge by the main opposition party in parliament, the Republican People's Party (CHP).