Ömer Sabancı, chairman of the Turkish Industrialists' and Businessmen's Association (TUSIAD), said Türkiye stands out in its region for combining a market economy with democratic governance.
His remarks came at an Istanbul event launching a TUSIAD report titled '130 Years in Turkish Democracy,' which traced the country's long path toward democratic consolidation.
Sabancı argued that deepening democratic structures would reduce internal tensions, conserve national resources, and make both political and economic stability more durable. He stressed that there is no realistic path other than building a more tolerant and pluralist political system.
He expressed confidence that Türkiye would move past ongoing democratization debates, but noted that progress depends on broad cooperation among political parties, civil society organizations, and individual citizens.
Historical summary. TurkishPress restated this wire report, first published in January 2007, in its own words.