Turkey government criticised over worsening economy as trade minister cites growth

Spokesperson Abdulkadir Bozkurt of the Turkey Alliance warned that the government is moving away from the people, saying the economy is increasingly hard for citizens. He claimed that many are living below the poverty line, that privatisation of public institutions has left basic needs in the hands of private firms, and that the government's shift to an import‑dependent model has driven producers into despair. Bozkurt urged the state to return land for agriculture and to adopt "local and national" policies in education, health, industry and farming.

Trade Minister Ömer Bolat countered the criticism, stating that despite global challenges Turkey’s economy continues to grow. He highlighted the modernisation and expansion of 19 land customs gates since 2004, a model praised by the Islamic Trade Chambers and being promoted to other Muslim countries. Bolat also pointed to Turkey’s strategic position at the junction of Europe, Asia and Africa as a key advantage for further economic development.