Latest News from Turkey
Turkey Condemns Israeli West Bank Moves, Warns Two-State Solution at Risk
Ankara denounced Israel's cabinet decisions to alter the legal status of the occupied West Bank as a violation of international law. Defense Ministry spokesperson Zeki Akturk criticized ceasefire violations and reaffirmed support for a Palestinian state on 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as capital.
Türkiye is also monitoring the Syria agreement implementation.
Turkish Central Bank Raises 2026 Inflation Forecast to 15-21%
The Central Bank lifted its year-end 2026 inflation forecast range to 15-21% from 13-19%, keeping the interim target at 16%. Governor Fatih Karahan cited changes in data calculations, energy, and food prices as reasons, vowing a tight monetary policy stance.
The bank is ready to tighten policy if inflation deviates significantly and noted January's 4.84% monthly inflation.
Brawl Erupts in Turkish Parliament Over New Justice Minister Appointment
A physical clash broke out in parliament between ruling party and opposition lawmakers protesting President Erdoğan's appointment of Akın Gürlek as justice minister. Opposition tried to block Gürlek from taking his oath, leading to tensions and scuffles.
The incident occurred on Wednesday amid heated confrontations.
Central Bank Reiterates Commitment to Disinflation Amid Food Price Risks
Governor Karahan highlighted food prices as a key inflation driver in January, expecting persistence into February. The bank updated forecasts while maintaining a cautious approach to support disinflation.
Services inflation from rents and education was also noted, with potential relief in education for 2026.
Turkey Vows Tight Monetary Policy Stance for Price Stability
CBRT Governor emphasized readiness to use all tools for disinflation despite rate cuts, with the key rate at 37% after a 100 bps reduction. Demand conditions support disinflation, though less than before, with balanced growth contributions.
End-2027 target remains at 9% (6-12% range), 2028 at 8%.
Turkish Delegation Strengthens Historic Ties with New Zealand
A senior Turkish delegation from Çanakkale and Gallipoli visited New Zealand, meeting officials and honoring WWI shared history. Veterans Minister Chris Penk highlighted enduring friendship from Gallipoli, with ongoing Anzac commemorations.
The visit underscores reconciliation, mutual respect, and cooperation in youth and culture.
Greek PM Mitsotakis Visits Turkey for 6th High-Level Cooperation Council
The visit on Feb. 11 aims to institutionalize a positive agenda in Turkish-Greek relations despite chronic issues. Discussions focus on trade, energy, health, and culture to shift from rivalry to cooperation.
Recent high-level meetings since 2023 restored dialogue channels.
Op-Ed: Can Turkish-Greek Relations Move Beyond Zero-Sum Game?
Türkiye and Greece, as NATO allies, should prioritize economic ties and diplomacy over conflict. Turkish policy emphasizes regional ownership, peaceful diplomacy, and integration.
EastMed pipeline failure highlights limits of exclusionary strategies.
MEP Latinopoulou Criticizes Turkey Over Aegean Maritime Rights
Greek MEP Afroditi Latinopoulou called Turkey a 'pimp-state' with a 'half-crazy dictator' for opposing Greece's 12-nautical-mile Aegean claims. The fiery statement comes amid fragile Greek-Turkish relations.
Tensions persist over maritime boundaries.
Turkey, Syria, Jordan Revive Middle East Land Corridor Trade Agreement
A tripartite deal aims to cut transport costs, bolster supply chains from Europe to the Gulf. The strategic corridor strengthens economic opportunities.
It focuses on regional trade revival.
CBRT Maintains Easing Bias Despite Rising Inflation Forecasts
The central bank continues rate cuts to support growth amid exceeding inflation targets. Analysts note tension between easing and price pressures.
Policy balances growth, employment, and stability.
Turkey Monitors Syria Agreement Implementation Closely
Defense Ministry confirmed ongoing observation of the Jan. 30 Syria government-SDF agreement. Türkiye follows ground developments carefully.
This ties into broader regional stability efforts.