Turker, A Hard-working And Resolute Politician

MILLIYET- Columnist Fikret Bila writes on recent statements by newly appointed State Economy Minister Masum Turker. A summary of his column is as follows:
Former State Minister for the Economy Kemal Dervis yesterday handed over his duties to newly appointed State Economy Minister Masum Turker in a ceremony held at the Treasury. More than a ceremony, it was, in fact, a three-and-a-half-hour meeting between economy and treasury bureaucrats. A number of high-level officials discussed Turkey’s current economic conditions, economic program and plans for the future.
‘I do believe that the Turkish economy is in good hands,’ said Dervis. ‘Turker’s performance during the last 48 hours, his stance and statements have already displayed that he would greatly contribute to the development of the Turkish economy.’ Dervis also pledged to lend Turker his full support when and if needed.
In talking to Turker at his office after the ceremony, I could see that he is a hard-working politician. He places great importance on doing away with the disparity in living conditions of the different social classes. That’s why his first act was to meet with the representatives of the workers’ and civil servants’ trade unions.
‘The economic program is proceeding well,’ said Turker. ‘We’ve already reached all the targets we had previously set out. However, there are two more issues to be focused on: 1) the transfer of resources to the manufacturing sector and, 2) the social aspects of the economic program. That’s why I decided to first meet with the representatives of workers and civil servants.’
Turker was satisfied with his recent meeting with Dervis. ‘I thanked him for his great contributions to the revival of the Turkish economy,’ said the minister. ‘I believe that we will always exchange views and hold consultations on economic matters.’ Speaking on the ‘social liberal synthesis,’ a theoretical concept recently put forward by Dervis in order to mark his new position in the political arena, Turker remarked that it referred to a different expression of the ‘social market economy’ concept. ‘In a free market economy, we always have to be careful about maintaining the social balances. There mustn’t be huge gaps between the various social classes. A market economy shouldn’t mean that the lower classes always live under difficult conditions and are deprived of their basic needs.’
Another significant point stressed by Turker is the possible negative affects of the chaotic early elections atmosphere on the economy. ‘I’d never let the atmosphere of elections upset the economic balances,’ said the new state minister. ‘I believe that neither the transfer of resources to the manufacturing sector nor eliminating the social deficiencies of the program necessitate additional loans. If we refrain from getting caught in the stream of populist election campaigns for the sake of more votes and if we also establish a sound and healthy platform of communication with all social classes, I believe that we can continue to implement all the policies set out in the economic program.’
Turker’s statements show that the Treasury will work hard during his term.

SOURCE: OFFICE OF THE PRIME MINISTER, DIRECTORATE GENERAL OF PRESS AND INFORMATION