Speaking following a visit to the Eskişehir Chamber of Commerce (ETO) on Tuesday, Babacan linked Turkey's improving reputation with regard to its economy to the trustworthiness of its economic policies. “Every week between three and five international publications talk about Turkey's successes. How did that happen? Trust is the key here. When it is sustained, everything becomes easier, while, on the other hand, everything becomes more difficult when you cannot forge an atmosphere of trust,” he explained.
Babacan also argued that the constitutional amendments that will be submitted to a public referendum on Sept. 12 are all about making Turkey a more predictable country and bringing its democracy up to modern standards. “I don't think Turkey can reach higher targets with its present order and constitutional framework. Look at the countries with a gross domestic product [GDP] of $30,000-40,000. There is no country at that level where democracy functions poorly or exists under the shadow of a coup. We, too, should put an end to that era and make Turkey a civilian democracy so that the way ahead is opened and it becomes a much more predictable country. The essence of the constitutional reform package is precisely this; making Turkey a more predictable country and bringing its democracy to a higher league,” he stressed.
He also noted that many economy experts, both Turkish and foreign, say Turkey's economy will advance if the popular vote will be in favor of reform on Sept. 12. He called on all constituents to cast their votes keeping in mind that it is not a general election where they are voting for a party, but a referendum held over a national matter. Babacan added that he trusts the “people's common sense.”
