Erbakan Throws Down the Gauntlet: Islamist Leader Demands Snap Election in Turkey
Turkey’s Economic Crisis: A Call for Early Election
Turkey’s Economic Woes
Turkey’s Islamic New Welfare Party leader, Fatih Erbakan, has called for an early election, citing the country’s cost of living crisis, Demirören News Agency reported on September 12.
During his visit to YRP mayors in Kahramanmaraş province, Erbakan expressed concerns about the economic conditions, highlighting the struggles of low-income families.
“Assuming a minimum wage of 17,002 liras, 5,000 liras goes towards feeding children at school. A single school bag costs 1,000 liras. According to an OECD report, six million children live in poverty in Turkey,” Erbakan stated.
A recent survey revealed that half of Istanbul’s population cannot afford fruits, vegetables, and food products. Furthermore, 17 million people received social assistance last year, with one in four individuals unable to meet their basic needs without support. The hunger threshold stands at 21,000 liras, while the poverty threshold is 64,000 liras.
Erbakan criticized Finance Minister Mehmet Şimşek, stating that the cost of living has increased dramatically since his appointment in mid-2023. “They claim to bring inflation down to single digits, but since their arrival, inflation has risen from 38 to 75. They cannot maintain a constant rate, let alone achieve single-digit inflation.”
Erbakan emphasized the need for a change in government, stating that without a new understanding, Turkey’s survival is at risk. He urged for an early election as soon as possible, citing the nation’s clear desire for change, as expressed in the March 31st local elections.
The YRP initially entered the 2023 general elections in an alliance with the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP), supporting Recep Tayyip Erdoğan in the presidential election. However, their alliance ended after the YRP presented mayoral candidates in key municipalities for the AKP in the local elections.
The YRP secured the third party position nationwide, collecting over six percent of the votes. The party won one metropolitan municipality, 37 districts, and 24 towns.