ISTANBUL - Turkish Industrialists` & Businessmen`s Association (TUSIAD) hosted Democrat Party (DP) Chairman Mehmet Agar and Motherland (Anavatan) Party Chairman Erkan Mumcu on Tuesday as part of its serial meetings with political party leaders, ahead of general elections.
While answering questions by TUSIAD members Agar said an extensive debate about the presidential election is needed to reach a consensus, noting that Turkey would change the constitution to elect the president by popular vote.
Upon a question, Agar said the situation in "northern Iraq" is the major problem of Turkey and noted that this problem should be resolved as soon as possible.
On the other hand, Motherland Party leader Erkan Mumcu touched economic issues and criticized floating exchange rate policy.
"It should be implemented in a proper way. Overvaluation of Turkish currency should be avoided," Mumcu said. He also stressed that tax policies should be revised.
Upon another question on relations with the International Monetary Fund (IMF), Mumcu said "our goal is to nullify the stand-by arrangement as soon as possible with a mutual agreement. This is possible with a stable Turkish economy."