Erdoğan's advisor argues Acemoğlu's theories made some countries underdeveloped

In a social media post, Turkish President Erdoğan’s advisor Yiğit Bulut claimed that recent Nobel laureate Daron Acemoğlu’s theories were the reason why some countries remained poor.

Duvar English

Yiğit Bulut, an economic advisor to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, on Oct. 19 criticized Daron Acemoğlu, who recently won the Nobel Prize in Economics along with colleagues Simon Johnson and James Robinson.

Criticizing Acemoğlu’s studies, Bulut said, “Why are some countries rich and others poor, the question that won Nobel!!! I'll tell you Mr. Daron; because you and Kemal Derviş derivatives like you produce ‘theories’ so that wild capitalism, ruthless imperialism, and liberalism disguised as freedom can exploit the world comfortably!”

Kemal Derviş served as Turkish Economy Minister between 2001 and 2002 following an economic crisis. 

Acemoğlu, Johnson, and Robinson were commended for their work on “how institutions are formed and affect prosperity,” the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences said.

Meanwhile, Bulut is infamous for saying “Spit in my face if the dollar exceeds 3 liras” back in 2018. The dollar currently exceeds 34 Turkish liras.

Turkey's Acemoğlu and colleagues win Nobel prize in economicsTurkey's Acemoğlu and colleagues win Nobel prize in economicsEconomy
Turkish pro-gov’t columnist targets economist Acemoğlu, says 'I am his master'Turkish pro-gov’t columnist targets economist Acemoğlu, says 'I am his master'Domestic
Dictatorships never go away on their own unless there is economic crisis: Economist AcemoğluDictatorships never go away on their own unless there is economic crisis: Economist AcemoğluEconomy
Topics Yiğit Bulut Daron Acemoğlu Turkish economy capitalism Economy