TURKEY: Easing restrictions but luring back tourists will be hard
Economic (and political) imperatives continue to shape Turkey’s fight against Covid-19. The vaccination rollout is currently disrupted by supply issues and it is unclear when an adequate provision will be secured. Barring a late rebound, the tourism season this year is … Become a member to read the rest of this article Username or […]
TURKEY: A likely futile lockdown
Turkey will enforce its strictest nationwide lockdown from today (29 April) until 17 May to fight a surging third wave of coronavirus infections. Leaving aside the medical emergency, the idea is that a strict lockdown now will help to salvage the critical tourism season. However,… Become a member to read the rest of this […]
TURKEY: Armenian Genocide recognition will trigger furious (verbal) response
US President Joe Biden’s recognition of the Armenian Genocide marks a new low-point in bilateral Turkey-US ties and will trigger a furious verbal response from Ankara. Retaliatory measures, if any, are likely to be short-lived and generally non-material. In the best-cas… Become a member to read the rest of this article
TURKEY: Genocide recognition would exacerbate discomfort in Turkey-US ties
Turkey’s President Tayyip Erdogan will finally get his first chance to talk to US President Joe Biden – albeit with plenty of other world leaders – during the virtual climate summit on 22-23 April. The next day, however, could mark a new low point in Turkey-US relations as Biden … Become a member to […]
Turkey: Ankara bans payments in cryptocurrencies
Turkey will bar consumers and businesses from exchanging payment for goods and services in Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies. In legislation (six articles) published in the Official Gazette overnight, the Central Bank of Turkey (TCMB) determined that cryptocurrencies and other s… Become a member to read the rest of this article
TURKEY: Multiple policy challenges from all directions
A massive surge in daily coronavirus cases will force the government to tighten restrictions during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan (starting on 13 April). Meanwhile, Ankara’s almost exclusive reliance on the Sinovac vaccine is becoming a major liability due to supply and… Become a member to read the rest of this article
TURKEY: Open letter by former officers: A perfect gift for Erdogan
An open letter penned by retired military officers has created an ideal opportunity for President Tayyip Erdogan to manipulate the public debate and distract attention away from a long list of negative developments. Leaving aside the framing of public narratives, the risk … Become a member to read the rest of this article
TURKEY: Sharp rise in infections puts tourism season at risk
The government, which relaxed Covid-19 related restrictions a month ago, has been forced to reimpose weekend curfews and reverse the normalization drive as infections continue to surge. The authorities reported 37,303 new cases on 30 March, breaking the country’s record of single… Become a member to read the rest of this article
TURKEY: Resurgent virus and vaccine worries could put tourism season at risk
Yesterday (22 March), Turkey recorded 22,216 new coronavirus cases, the highest daily number since mid-December, as cases continue to rise after restrictions were eased earlier this month. Meanwhile, there are growing concerns about Turkey’s ability to secure an adequate… Become a member to read the rest of this article
TURKEY: Policy continuity (for now)
The Turkish authorities are busy seeking to reassure investors after the unexpected change of leadership at the top of the Central Bank (TCMB). Yesterday (21 March), the newly appointed Governor Sahap Kavcioglu indicated that the fight against inflation remains a priority and, cr… Become a member to read the rest of this article