President Erdogan’s Sudden Change of Course Signals Strong Effort to Stabilize Economy and Address Skyrocketing Inflation Directly.
In a significant shift in approach, Turkey’s central bank has proclaimed a substantial raise in its primary interest rate to 40%, with the aim of restraining inflation, which peaked at 61.36% in October and is forecasted to reach a peak between 70% to 75% by May 2024.
Following his re-election in May, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, renowned for his previous reluctance to higher interest rates, has adopted a decisive shift in economic strategy. Recognizing the urgent necessity to confront the economic issues of the country, President Erdogan has sought the guidance of Hafize Gaye Erkan, a former Wall Street banker, to lead the nation through this economic transition.
The unexpected hike from the prior rate of 35% underscores Turkey’s dedication to stabilizing its economy and preventing inflation from escalating further. Under Erkan’s guidance, the central bank emphasized that these actions are crucial to decelerate surging prices and establish a basis for consistent economic stability.
Turkey’s central bank raises interest rate by 500 basis points to 40%, surpassing expectations https://t.co/5RbPXBy7xa
— CNBC (@CNBC) November 23, 2023
“The pace of monetary tightening will reduce, and the tightening cycle will conclude in a brief period,” declared the central bank. It further affirmed that interest rates would be sustained at heightened levels for “as necessary to ensure consistent price stability.”
Turkey, once lauded for its rapid economic expansion, has encountered difficulties in recent years. The previous policy of the central bank to lower interest rates amid high inflation triggered a currency crisis in 2021. Subsequently, the government instituted measures to protect lira deposits from currency devaluation.
The current decision to elevate interest rates is a proactive measure to rectify prior economic imbalances and guarantee a more robust and steady financial future for Turkey. Both the government and the central bank conveyed confidence in these actions, emphasizing their unwavering commitment to navigate the nation toward enduring economic recuperation.
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