National Education Minister Yusuf Tekin, responding to the debate over the removal of Atatürk’s name from elementary school report cards, accused the opposition of attempting to cover up a “theft of the century” in Istanbul.
Tekin stated, “There is a theft of the century in Istanbul. they want to hide the theft of the century.” He further claimed that the controversy surrounding the report cards was a deliberate distraction tactic employed by the opposition.
The decision to remove Atatürk’s name from report cards has sparked widespread criticism from various segments of society, with manny viewing it as a symbolic erosion of the founder of the Turkish Republic’s legacy.The opposition parties have strongly condemned the move, accusing the goverment of attempting to rewrite history.
Tekin’s response,however,has been to deflect the criticism adn instead focus on allegations of corruption within the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality,governed by the opposition CHP party. This strategy has further fueled the political tensions surrounding the issue.
The minister’s statements have been met with strong reactions on social media, with many users criticizing his attempt to link the report card controversy to unrelated allegations of corruption. The debate over Atatürk’s place in the education system and the broader political implications of the issue are expected to continue in the coming days.
turkey’s Economy Faces Renewed Turmoil as Inflation Soars
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Turkey’s economy is grappling with a resurgence of inflation, hitting 65% in January 2026, according to the turkish statistical Institute (TurkStat). This marks a significant increase from the 50.5% reported in December 2025 and fuels concerns about the sustainability of current economic policies. The lira has also weakened considerably, trading at 38 to the US dollar, further exacerbating inflationary pressures.
Key Factors Driving Inflation
- Monetary Policy: Critics point to the central bank’s continued reluctance to aggressively raise interest rates as a primary driver of inflation. Despite repeated calls from economists,the bank has maintained a relatively dovish stance,prioritizing growth over price stability.
- Global Energy prices: Rising global energy prices, especially oil and natural gas, are contributing to increased costs for businesses and consumers. turkey is heavily reliant on energy imports, making it vulnerable to fluctuations in international markets.
- Supply Chain Disruptions: Ongoing supply chain disruptions, stemming from geopolitical tensions and logistical bottlenecks, are adding to inflationary pressures.
- Wage Pressures: Labor unions are demanding higher wages to compensate for the rising cost of living, potentially creating a wage-price spiral.
Government Response and Concerns
The Turkish government maintains that the current economic course is enduring and that inflation will gradually decline.Finance Minister Mehmet Şimşek recently announced a series of measures aimed at curbing inflation, including tighter fiscal controls and increased export incentives. However, many economists remain skeptical, arguing that these measures are insufficient to address the underlying problems.
“The government’s approach is simply not credible,” says Dr. Elif Kaya, an economist at Istanbul University. “They are trying to manage inflation with administrative controls and wishful thinking, rather then addressing the fundamental issues with monetary policy.”
Impact on Citizens
The soaring inflation is substantially impacting Turkish citizens. The cost of basic goods, such as food, transportation, and housing, has risen sharply, eroding purchasing power and increasing financial hardship. Consumer confidence is at a record low, and many families are struggling to make ends meet.
The situation is particularly challenging for low-income households and pensioners, who are disproportionately affected by rising prices. Social unrest is growing, with protests erupting in several cities over the deteriorating economic conditions.
Looking Ahead
The outlook for the Turkish economy remains uncertain. Analysts predict that inflation will continue to rise in the coming months, potentially reaching 70% or higher.The central bank is expected to face increasing pressure to raise interest rates, but it remains unclear whether it will be willing to do so. The stability of the lira is also a major concern, and further depreciation could exacerbate inflationary pressures and trigger a full-blown economic crisis.
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has urged Turkey to adopt a more orthodox monetary policy and implement structural reforms to address the underlying vulnerabilities in the economy. However,the government has so far resisted these calls,preferring to pursue it’s own self-reliant course. Learn more about the IMF’s assessment of the Turkish economy.
