Turks view economy as top concern, skeptical about political solutions
Photo illustration shows a miniature shopping cart is placed on a pile of Turkish lira banknotes, accessed on February 3, 2025. (Adobe Stock Photo)
A new poll reveals that a strong majority of Turkish citizens consider economic difficulties and high living costs as the nation’s most pressing problems while expressing doubts about current political parties’ ability to address these challenges.
According to a survey conducted by Asal Research between Feb. 15-22, 2025, 61.2% of respondents identified “Economy/High Cost of Living” as Türkiye’s biggest problem, highlighting the continued economic strain felt across the country.
The poll, which surveyed 2,000 citizens, showed unemployment ranking as the second most significant concern at 6.3%, followed by justice system issues at 5.8%.
Other concerns registered at lower levels, with education at 2.7%, terrorism at 2.4%, and immigration/refugee issues at 2.2%.
Problems with the current government were cited by 2% of respondents, while 1.3% pointed to security issues, 1.2% named opposition parties as the main problem, and 1% each identified healthcare and Kurdish issues as primary concerns.
Perhaps most revealing was the response to which political party could solve Türkiye’s problems.
A plurality of 38.3% believed that none of the current political parties could effectively address the nation’s challenges.
Among those who did express confidence in a political party, 22% selected the ruling Justice and Development Party (AK Party), while 16% chose the main opposition party, the Republican People’s Party (CHP).
The findings come amid deepening poverty from Türkiye’s ongoing economic crisis and increased political pressures, which have fueled renewed speculation about the possibility of early elections.
Polling organizations have intensified their research efforts as politicians and citizens alike try to gauge public sentiment during this period of uncertainty.
