Erdoğan: Economic Sabotage Is Not Our Path
A Clear Stance on Boycotts and National Dignity
On April 12, 2025, President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan delivered a strong economic message. He criticized those who promote boycotts that harm their own country’s economy. According to Erdoğan, such actions are nothing short of “economic suicide.”
“Those who attempt economic assassination against their own people will never understand our stance,” he declared.
This statement came during the announcement of a major infrastructure milestone. Turkey’s Antalya Airport has now expanded its capacity to welcome 82 million passengers annually. More importantly, this transformation occurred without spending public funds.
Building Infrastructure Without Burdening the State
The Antalya Airport project required nearly €927 million in investment. Yet, through a 25-year concession agreement, Turkey will receive €8.55 billion, including VAT, in return. This deal, established through a public-private partnership (PPP), showcases how the country can achieve growth while protecting public finances.
Erdoğan emphasized that the project was completed without a single lira leaving the state’s budget. Instead, private companies invested and will operate the airport for a fixed term.
This model reflects Turkey’s wider development strategy. From airports to hospitals and highways, Turkey is increasingly using PPPs to accelerate growth—without creating new debt.
Economic Independence Backed by Political Confidence
Erdoğan’s remarks also reflected a deeper political message. He pointed out that some actors in Turkish society, particularly those aligned with the West, try to undermine national efforts through ideological stances.
“Those who bow and scrape before the West will never understand our upright stance,” he added.
This wasn’t just about economics. It was a reaffirmation of Turkey’s sovereignty and economic independence. For Erdoğan, resisting external pressure is a strategic necessity, not a political choice.
Trust, Growth, and Direction
Erdoğan’s speech sends a signal to both investors and citizens: Turkey will grow on its own terms. Through smart financing, strong leadership, and diplomatic balance, the country is building a future that prioritizes strength and stability over short-term applause.
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