Turkish economy is facing challenges with high inflation and rising living costs, causing struggles for households. Changes in economic policy and the upcoming municipal elections add uncertainty. The consequences of inflation include income inequality and credit card debt. Turkey is shifting to more rational economic policies, emphasizing the importance of personal budgeting.
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Quick takeaways
The rising cost of living in Turkey has put pressure on households, leading to financial struggles and a need to prioritize children's needs over personal luxuries and non-essential items.
Despite President Erdogan's previous skepticism, Turkey's government has recognized the importance of implementing orthodox economic policies, such as higher interest rates, to control inflation and ensure future economic stability.
Deep dives
Rising cost of living in Turkey
In Turkey, where annual inflation has cooled to 60%, many families are facing financial struggles. The rising cost of living has put pressure on households, impacting their ability to make ends meet. Despite stable salaries, families find it challenging to cope with persistently high inflation, which leads to constant increases in prices, particularly at the supermarket. This situation has forced many families to cut back on expenses and prioritize children's needs over their own, sacrificing personal luxuries and reducing spending on non-essential items.
Economic challenges for Turkish families
The economic challenges in Turkey have affected families' financial stability. Despite stable incomes, families are facing difficulties due to inflation and rising interest rates. For example, the increasing cost of living has forced families to take on debt and rely on credit cards for essential purchases. The burden of loans and credit card debt has become overwhelming, with a significant portion of their income going towards paying off debts. Families are struggling to maintain a positive balance, constantly facing financial challenges and finding it challenging to save money or invest in big-ticket purchases like cars or houses.
Turkey's economic orthodoxy and its impact
Turkey's economic policies have evolved in recent years, with a shift towards economic orthodoxy and interest rate hikes. Despite President Erdogan's previous skepticism about high interest rates, the government has recognized the need for such measures to control inflation. The policy changes, including raising interest rates, have resulted in a slow decline in inflation. While there are early signs of an economic turnaround, the process remains painful and challenging for Turkish households. The government's willingness to continue with orthodox policies and strike a balance between inflation and growth will determine the future economic stability of the country.
President Recep Tayyip Erdogan heard Turkish voters back in May when they said they wanted change in the economy.
So, he appointed a new finance minister and central bank governor to lead the charge.
Despite the president’s strong opposition to using higher interest rates to cool rising prices, he’s allowed rates to rise in each of the last six months.
While that’s helped bring about an economic turnaround, it’s put added pressure on households who have for years been reliant on low borrowing costs.
Will the president’s patience with economic orthodoxy last, or are these early policy changes a sign of long-lasting change?
Presenter Victoria Craig
Produced by Victoria Craig and Ceren Iskit
(Image: Eren and Ümit Karaduman and their children. Credit: Victoria Craig)
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