08.01.2025 19:22
Professor Dr. Afşin Şahin, a faculty member at Ankara Hacı Bayram Veli University, was a guest of Abdurrahman Yazıcı on Haberler.com. Şahin addressed many important topics, ranging from the minimum wage increase to rent hikes, credit card usage, and inflation expectations.
Prof. Dr. Afşin Şahin made critical assessments regarding the economy. Highlighting the inconsistency of fiscal and monetary policies in Turkey, Şahin shared his forecasts for the dollar, unemployment, and growth rates for the year 2025.
CRITICISM OF TURKSTAT REPORTS
Prof. Dr. Şahin, who stated that "the average of nearly 400 items is taken in the TURKSTAT inflation report," noted that this method does not fully reflect the inflation felt by citizens. He particularly pointed out that the purchasing power of small banknotes is low, saying, "They have almost disappeared from circulation in the market."
"LOW INCREASE AIMED AT CURBING DOMESTIC DEMAND"
Evaluating the minimum wage increase, Şahin stated, "The increase rate could have been better aligned with the expectations of the real sector." Addressing the impact of tax increases on public finance, Şahin said, "The increase in motor vehicle tax (MTV) and other taxes can be explained by a tight fiscal policy."
RENTALS AND DIGITAL ECONOMY
Şahin pointed out that rent increases are significantly above general inflation, stating that the upper limit application introduced has been insufficient. Also commenting on the digital economy, Şahin mentioned that Turkey ranks among the top 30 in the world for credit card usage and that one-third of online shopping volume is conducted with credit cards.