Turkish politicians dismiss economic state of emergency rumors
Turkish ruling alliance politicians have dismissed rumors that a state of emergency over economic concerns might be declared in Turkey. "This is a ridiculous claim," AKP deputy leader Numan Kurtulmuş has said.
Duvar English
Turkey's ruling People's Alliance politicians have dismissed rumors that a state of emergency may be declared based on the economic crisis in the country.
Their remarks came after Prof. İzzet Özgenç said that Turks should be ready for a state of emergency that could be declared because of the economic crisis, as he cited Article 119 of the Turkish Constitution which says that the Cabinet could declare a state of emergency for six months in cases of environmental disasters, infectious diseases and economic crises.
His comments created suspicion on whether the government is testing the waters for such a move in the face of the lira's unstoppable collapse. The dollar has more than doubled in value against the lira so far this year, rattling Turkey's big emerging market economy.
Numan Kurtulmuş, the deputy leader of the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP), said that a state of emergency won't be declared.
"This is a ridiculous claim. No such thing can happen and can be thought about. No one should consider it," Kurtulmuş said on Dec. 15.
Another statement was released by far-right Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) leader Devlet Bahçeli, who said that it's nonsense to talk about a state of emergency.
"Turkey is a growing country that's getting stronger and richer. There is nothing requiring emergency in Turkey's economy," Bahçeli said on Dec. 15, noting that talking about these claims only serve those "who love crises."
Opposition Democracy and Progress Party (DEVA) leader Ali Babacan, meanwhile, has urged the government to refute the claims of an emergency rule.
Babacan, who is President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan's former economy czar, said that unnecessary state of emergency declarations harm democracy.
"The essence of a state of emergency is the suspension of some articles of the constitution on basic rights. The fact that this is even being discussed shows what the economy has come to," Babacan said.
"These types of thoughts and potential practices would deepen the economic crisis and lead to a downfall. The government needs to refute these rumors urgently," he added.