Connect with us

Hi, what are you looking for?

World

Democracy key to Turkish economy, says IMF

-

Following Turkey's bloody coup attempt at the weekend, the International Monetary Fund on Tuesday said the country's democratic institutions were crucial to its economic stability.

But the IMF praised authorities' handling of economic policy to stave off instability in the wake of Friday night's dramatic events, which reportedly left hundreds dead.

"We think first of all that, aside from the inherent value of democratic institutions, it's very important to preserve them in Turkey," IMF research director Maury Obstfeld told reporters in Washington.

"That has been one of the foundations of the economic accomplishments that the country has made over several years and we wouldn't want to see those endangered."

Obstfeld however said Turkish authorities had acted properly in shielding the local economy from shocks.

"The Turkish authorities, particularly the central bank, have stepped in very effectively to provide liquidity and we would anticipate in our baseline that things will settle down."

European and American leaders have reacted with alarm as Turkish authorities since Saturday have arrested 7,500 people, suspended twice as many state education workers and reportedly also rounded up hundreds of judges and prosecutors.

In televised remarks, Turkish premier Binali Yildirim said Monday that authorities in Ankara would "act within the law" to bring an end to the crisis.

The IMF on Tuesday predicted that the British vote to exit the European Union would reduce global economic growth by 0.1 percentage points through next year.

The forecasts were finalized prior to the attempted coup. Global equities markets have not so far suffered losses in its wake.

Following Turkey’s bloody coup attempt at the weekend, the International Monetary Fund on Tuesday said the country’s democratic institutions were crucial to its economic stability.

But the IMF praised authorities’ handling of economic policy to stave off instability in the wake of Friday night’s dramatic events, which reportedly left hundreds dead.

“We think first of all that, aside from the inherent value of democratic institutions, it’s very important to preserve them in Turkey,” IMF research director Maury Obstfeld told reporters in Washington.

“That has been one of the foundations of the economic accomplishments that the country has made over several years and we wouldn’t want to see those endangered.”

Obstfeld however said Turkish authorities had acted properly in shielding the local economy from shocks.

“The Turkish authorities, particularly the central bank, have stepped in very effectively to provide liquidity and we would anticipate in our baseline that things will settle down.”

European and American leaders have reacted with alarm as Turkish authorities since Saturday have arrested 7,500 people, suspended twice as many state education workers and reportedly also rounded up hundreds of judges and prosecutors.

In televised remarks, Turkish premier Binali Yildirim said Monday that authorities in Ankara would “act within the law” to bring an end to the crisis.

The IMF on Tuesday predicted that the British vote to exit the European Union would reduce global economic growth by 0.1 percentage points through next year.

The forecasts were finalized prior to the attempted coup. Global equities markets have not so far suffered losses in its wake.

AFP
Written By

With 2,400 staff representing 100 different nationalities, AFP covers the world as a leading global news agency. AFP provides fast, comprehensive and verified coverage of the issues affecting our daily lives.

You may also like:

Tech & Science

Some 475 million vertebrate animals die on Brazilian roads every year - Copyright AFP TERCIO TEIXEIRALucía LACURCIAIn Brazil, where about 16 wild animals become...

Entertainment

Emmy-nominated actor Justin Hartley is chasing ghosts in the new episode titled "Aurora" on '"Tracker" on CBS.

Business

The electric car maker, which enjoyed scorching growth for most of 2022 and 2023, has experienced setbacks.

Business

Brussels has spent two long years in painful negotiations to overhaul its budget rules - Copyright AFP/File Kirill KUDRYAVTSEVThe EU hopes to move towards...