Everyone has a different take on Turkish growth policies. Some say that the focus should be on the economy, while others push for political changes. Turkishtime, a monthly economy and business-culture magazine, asked some of Turkey´s most prominent figures a tricky question: “How should Turkey grow?”

Some leading Turkish personalities agree that the only growth forecast for the country will not be economic.

“What would you do if you were Turkey’s economy minister?” was one of the questions that monthly economy and business-culture magazine Turkishtime asked prominent figures ranging from acclaimed writers to the executives of leading companies.

"I, as a person who is not so good with numbers, should not be the finance minister in the first place,” said Elif Þafak, who is an award-winning writer of Turkish descent and the best-selling female author in Turkey. Her growth model would definitely be based on not giving up on democracy, she said.

One of the major troubles in Turkey is an imbalanced distribution of wealth, according to Þafak. That not only creates economic problems but fuels cultural and social troubles as well, she said. A fairer tax system should be adopted, she said, while pointing out the need for vital improvements in the education system as well as deficiencies in equal opportunity.

“We need a structure that should focus on highlighting the merits of people and evaluate them according to their capabilities, instead of allowing for nepotism. That would enable people to rise up in their jobs,” Þafak said.

According to Þafak, democracy should never be set aside in any growth model. “I believe in the importance of the United Nations. One should never forget human rights, freedom of speech and overall freedom. Equal pay for women and pregnancy leave are just two things that we should never give up.”

The black-market economy is also troublesome, she said. “Politicians’ sharp tongues are another problem,” said Þafak. “Male-dominated politics is also problematic. I would love to see more women participating in politics at both local and international levels.”

Wednesday, 02 September 2009

turkishny