Erdoğan: 2026 Will Be Turkey’s Year of Reform and Global Rise

President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has described 2026 as a pivotal year of reform and resurgence, signaling a period when long-prepared policies will translate into concrete economic, political, and social gains.

In an opinion piece written for Sabah newspaper, Erdoğan stated that the early months of 2026 are already marked by discussions around “the construction of a larger and stronger Türkiye, whose pillars are now rising.” He emphasized that the year will represent a turning point in transforming long-term strategies into tangible outcomes.

“2026 will be a year in which we reap the rewards of our patience, see the seeds we have planted take root, and carry out the harvest,” Erdoğan said.

A Year of Reform and Momentum

Defining 2026 as “a year of reform and resurgence,” Erdoğan underlined that the steps taken during this period will generate lasting economic, social, and diplomatic benefits. According to the president, reforms implemented in recent years are now entering a phase in which their positive effects will become more visible and widely felt.

He stressed that the coming period will not only accelerate growth but also strengthen institutional capacity and policy effectiveness across multiple areas.

“2026 will be the year we turn reform efforts into concrete achievements and strengthen our gains across every field,” he wrote.

Foreign Policy Built on the “Turkey Axis”

Addressing foreign policy, Erdoğan reaffirmed Türkiye’s strategic independence and rejected rigid geopolitical alignments.

“We have neither turned our back on the East nor broken away from the West. We have only one axis: the Turkey Axis,” he said.

The president stated that Türkiye aims to become one of the key countries shaping international politics in 2026 while maintaining its objective of full European Union membership. He also highlighted plans to deepen integration within the Organization of Turkic States and strengthen ties with the Islamic world, reinforcing Türkiye’s multi-dimensional diplomatic approach.

According to Erdoğan, this balanced strategy will enhance Türkiye’s global influence while safeguarding national interests.

Economic Indicators Show Strong Momentum

Reviewing economic performance in 2025, Erdoğan pointed to several record-breaking indicators that underpin optimism for the coming year. He noted that national income exceeded $1.5 trillion annually, while central bank reserves reached $215.6 billion.

Exports, meanwhile, climbed to $273.4 billion, marking the highest annual export figure in the Republic’s history. Erdoğan stated that support for exporters will be expanded further in 2026 to ensure economic growth spreads across a wider segment of society.

“In 2026, we will increase the resources allocated to our exporters and ensure that growth is more inclusive and balanced,” he said.

Inflation Target: Single Digits

Erdoğan reiterated the government’s commitment to fighting inflation, describing 2026 as the year when price pressures will be decisively brought under control.

“2026 will be the year we break the back of inflation and reach our single-digit target,” he said.

He added that improvements in living standards will not be limited to inflation-linked adjustments. Instead, workers, retirees, and civil servants will also benefit from their share of economic growth, while policies aimed at improving income distribution fairness will remain a priority.

“Terror-Free Turkey” Process to Be Completed

The president also addressed the “Terror-Free Turkey” initiative, stating that significant milestones have already been passed. Erdoğan stressed that ending terrorism, which he described as a burden spanning four decades, would not be sacrificed to short-term political considerations.

“We will not shy away from fulfilling our responsibilities to complete the Terror-Free Turkey process without any setbacks,” he said.

According to Erdoğan, achieving lasting security is essential not only for national unity but also for economic development, investment confidence, and social stability.

Vision for a Stronger Türkiye in 2026

Concluding his remarks, Erdoğan framed 2026 as a year in which Türkiye’s long-term vision will take clearer shape, supported by reforms, economic discipline, and an assertive yet balanced foreign policy. He emphasized that patience and persistence are now yielding results, positioning the country for a stronger regional and global role.