Front page of The Economist May 14: The most important elections of 2023

The British economics and political magazine The Economist dedicated the cover of its latest issue to the presidential and parliamentary elections to be held in Turkey on May 14.

The magazine, which was published under the title ‘The Biggest Election of 2023’, also wrote an article about the election.

“If (Erdogan) loses, it would be a dramatic political change with global consequences. The Turkish people will be freer, less intrepid and, in time, more prosperous. A new government will mend frayed relations with the West.

In the article, it was claimed that Erdogan’s economic policies hurt ordinary Turks the most. Recalling that Erdogan removed 2 central bank governors in 2 years and appointed his son-in-law as finance minister, it was claimed that Erdogan has since forced the bank to follow loose monetary policy.

ECONOMIC POLICIES RAISE INFLATION

While the analysis claimed that this situation kept growth intact but caused inflation that peaked at 86 percent last year and is now over 40 percent, it also claimed that voters complained that prices of the onion had multiplied by ten in two years. .

Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu is said to have promised to restore the bank’s independence and reduce inflation to single digits if he wins the election. However, it is not just the economy that needs to be fixed.”

‘RELATIONS WITH THE WEST WILL BE FIXED’

Finally, it was stated in the article that Turkey’s relations with the West would improve if the opposition wins the elections. The article included the following statements on the subject:

“An opposition victory would be good for Turkey’s neighbors and would have enormous geopolitical value for the West.

Türkiye is today almost completely cut off from the rest of Europe. On paper, however, it is still a candidate to join the EU. This may never happen, but if Kılıçdaroğlu becomes president, Europe must respond by reviving a long-suspended visa program for Turks, improving Turkey’s access to the EU common market and cooperating more closely on foreign policy.”

‘RELATIONS WITH NATO AND THE UNITED STATES WILL BE FIXED’

It was also stated in the article that if the opposition wins the elections, relations with NATO and the United States may improve. The Economist recently made the following statements:

If (the nation’s alliance) wins, it will be a great moment for Turkey, Europe and the global fight for true democracy. Erdogan did some good things in his first years in office, but the continued accumulation of power overshadowed his judgment. That is why we support Kılıçdaroğlu to be the next president.”