A majority of Turks say the economy and the rising cost of living are the most pressing issues they face, while more than a third believes no political party is capable of solving the country’s deepening challenges, according to a new nationwide poll, the T24 news website reported.
The survey, conducted by Turkish pollster ASAL Research, found that 65.6 percent of respondents identified economic hardship and inflation as the country’s most urgent problems. The survey was conducted May 10-14 with 2,000 participants across 26 provinces.
Turkey has experienced double-digit inflation since 2019, making life increasingly expensive for millions of people, notably hitting the cost of education, housing, healthcare, food and transportation. The annual inflation rate, which peaked at 85.5 percent in October 2022, has declined over the years and currently stands at around 38 percent, according to official data.
Despite this downward trend, elevated prices continue to squeeze consumers, especially in essential goods. Many have been forced to alter their spending habits and cut back on basic needs.
Other key concerns, revealed by the poll, included the justice system (7.3 percent), unemployment (4 percent), terrorism (3.1 percent), education (2.4 percent) and issues related to urban transformation and earthquake preparedness (2.1 percent).
While official unemployment was reported at 7.9 percent in March, broader labor market indicators paint a less optimistic picture. Underemployment, which includes part-time workers who want full-time jobs and those working below their skill levels, stood at 28.4 percent in February.
This disparity reveals a structural weakness in the labor market: While many are technically employed, they remain financially insecure and underutilized.
Turkey’s economic growth has also slowed. Gross domestic product (GDP) expanded by 3.2 percent in 2024, down from 5.1 percent the previous year, according to World Bank data. Despite strong labor force participation, the benefits of growth have failed to improve living standards for much of the population.
Public disillusionment with political leadership
When asked, “Which political party can solve Turkey’s problems today?” 34.7 percent of respondents answered “None,” reflecting widespread public disillusionment with the country’s political parties.
Among those who expressed confidence in a party, 26 percent favored the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) led by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. The main opposition, the Republican People’s Party (CHP), received 17.5 percent. Other parties trailed behind: The pro-Kurdish Peoples’ Equality and Democracy Party (DEM Party) received 4.6 percent, the far-right Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) 4.3 percent and the nationalist İYİ (Good) Party) 1.4 percent.
A similar ASAL survey conducted in April found consistent results: 63.4 percent identified economic hardship as their top concern, while nearly 40 percent said no party could effectively address the country’s problems.