In one year, food prices have risen by 30% and rents in Istanbul have almost doubled
Germany is struggling with four percent inflation, while in Turkey it is chasing 20 percent. In one year, food prices have risen by 30 per cent and rents in Istanbul have almost doubled, Turkish media reported. Hopes that the tourist season will lighten the situation are not justified yet.
“Prices jump every week! In the supermarket you spoil 100 pounds and they disappear as if they were ten, not a hundred. That’s why I now shop only in small quantities and less often,” said Ahu, who works as a cleaner in Istanbul.
This is confirmed by Habib, who runs a small grocery store. “Whoever bought 10 eggs yesterday now gets only seven,” he said. The trader earns 30 cents from the sale of 30 eggs, but does not dare to raise the price. “Customers scold me as if it’s my fault that prices are constantly jumping. And politicians have to blame. What should I do? When I buy more expensive, I have to sell more expensive.”
The Turkish lira is in crisis
At the cash register, a mother with two small children wants to pay for a lemonade. When he learns from Habib how much it costs, he first returns the bottle, but then takes a few more coins out of his wallet and finally pays.
The 46-year-old carpenter Kamuran is also angry: “It’s just not true. Alcohol and cigarettes have become much more expensive. I’m going to drink a beer and they want as much as 20 pounds. How much does an ordinary worker earn per day – 80, 100 pounds. That’s enough for three beers. and a pack of cigarettes. “
In recent years, the Turkish lira has depreciated sharply. Kamuran also works with imported material, which is becoming more expensive due to the weak pound. “I have £ 16,000 in credit card debt. I only buy bread, eggs, milk at home now – things like that. Thank God we don’t live on rent – thanks to that we can make ends meet.”
Otherwise, the economy is growing
In the last three years, natural gas and electricity in Turkey have risen by 120 per cent, and food prices have jumped by 30 per cent in just one year. Rents in Istanbul are exploding.
At the same time, the country’s statistical office recorded a record economic growth of 22 percent in the second quarter of the year compared to the same period last year, marked by the pandemic. According to official figures, unemployment in Turkey is 12 per cent and youth unemployment is twice as high.
The importance of human solidarity
The Turkish president trumpets that employment figures are better than before the pandemic. “I hope to control inflation soon and stop the speculative rise in prices in supermarkets. Our fight against rising prices and profits will lead to a further increase in the welfare of our citizens,” Erdogan said.
In one of Istanbul’s working-class neighborhoods, a beggar begged for alms. He looks at a crate of nectarines that no longer look fresh. “How much do they cost?” The salesman asks. “Nothing, they’re free,” he said.
Who can give, gives. Solidarity between people is becoming vital these days.
The material has been published HERE >>
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