Editorial Board
Turkey's Crackdown on the Economy
Erdogan's purge puts the country's economic progress at risk.
Political turmoil in Turkey is putting new stress on an economy that was already coping with depressed export markets, weak investment and sagging business confidence. The economy has many strengths and great potential, but to make the most of these it also needs political stability, the rule of law and a commitment to international economic engagement. The July coup and its aftermath have put all three in doubt.
President Recep Tayyip Erdogan prevailed against the coup-plotters, drawing on support from much of the political opposition. Turks rallied to the government in defense of democracy. From this position of strength Erdogan should make establishing the conditions for greater prosperity a main goal.