Erdogan dismisses early election calls, highlights Türkiye’s economic growth

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan Saturday made significant remarks regarding Türkiye’s economic situation while dismissing opposition calls for early elections during the 10th meeting of the Investment Advisory Council.

“We view the opposition’s discussions of early elections, raised to cover up their internal conflicts, as futile. Türkiye has a valuable 3.5 years ahead without elections,” the Turkish president maintained, adding that the government and alliance have planned everything with 2028 in mind.

“We are committed to using the authority granted to us by the people in the May 14-28 elections most effectively and productively,” he added.

Erdogan stressed the importance of Türkiye seizing the economic opportunities presented by the election-free period.

Highlighting Türkiye’s role as a reliable partner with alternative transport routes, President Erdogan noted, “In 2002, with $36 billion in exports, we held a 0.5% share of global trade. Today, with exports reaching $256 billion, we have raised that share to over 1%.”

President Erdogan also pointed out Türkiye’s appeal as a hub for foreign direct investment, stating, “Before 2003, Türkiye attracted only $15 billion in investment over 30 years. In the last 20 years, we’ve brought in $268 billion. In 2002, we had just 5,600 international companies; today, we host over 83,000 multinational firms.”

The president said that this is a win-win situation. International companies have accounted for about 31% of Türkiye’s exports over the past 15 years.

Türkiye’s leadership in manufacturing investments is notable, and we will continue to be a preferred economy for international investors in the new era, the president concluded.