Turkish deputy PM: Coup's economic wounds 'easy to manage'
In an interview with Al-Monitor, Mehmet Simsek, Turkey’s deputy prime minister for economic affairs, expresses optimism on the recent coup attempt's economic effects, saying the only real damage was to Turkey's image in the West.
Turkey is trying hard to return to normal after the failed coup attempt. Although one subject is less discussed than others, it is an important issue: the potential effect of the attempt on Turkey’s economy. In an Aug. 4 interview in Ankara, Mehmet Simsek, the deputy prime minister responsible for the economy, spoke to Al-Monitor about Turkey’s financial future. He said he doesn’t expect lasting damage to the country’s economy, but is mostly worried about negative perceptions of Turkey among the Western public.
The text of the interview follows:
Al-Monitor: What short- and long-term effects do you expect the July coup attempt to have on Turkey’s economy?
Simsek: In the short term, the effects will be temporary and relatively easy to manage. The probability of lasting damage is very low. First of all, the coup attempt did not last long. It was a nightlong bad dream, a nightmare. The trauma for those living in Ankara and Istanbul was greater. Its short duration and failure allowed life to return to normal quickly, hence the minimal effects on the economy.
