Bilal Erdogan Defends Overseas Shopping Restrictions

Bilal Erdogan made a series of notable remarks during a meeting with high school students in Istanbul’s Gungoren district, addressing economic policies, youth migration, and personal success. Speaking at the “One Question, One Answer” program organized by the Gungoren Municipality, Erdogan responded to questions that reflect some of the most pressing concerns among young people in Turkey, particularly restrictions on overseas online shopping and the growing desire to live and work abroad.

As a member of the High Advisory Board of the Turkey Youth Foundation (TUGVA) and the son of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Bilal Erdogan framed his comments around economic realities and social comparisons, frequently drawing on personal experience. The discussion combined humor with policy-oriented explanations and aimed to challenge what he described as idealized perceptions among young people.

Overseas Shopping Restrictions and the Current Account Deficit

One student asked why customs duties had been introduced on purchases from foreign e-commerce platforms. Erdogan began with a light joke, responding, “First of all, I didn’t introduce them,” before clarifying that he is not a government official and does not work for the Ministry of Trade. He added, “I am involved in the food and restaurant business, not in trade policy.”

He then explained the economic rationale for the regulation, citing a sharp rise in imports of final consumer goods. According to Erdogan, these imports have increased from 20 billion dollars to 56 billion dollars over the past five years, placing pressure on Turkey’s current account deficit. He argued that the restrictions were introduced to address this imbalance.

At the same time, Erdogan acknowledged public dissatisfaction with the policy and said he understood why citizens were critical. He stated, “I can understand where the complaints are justified. People say, ‘Why should I buy something for 1,000 lira in Turkey when I can get it for 100 lira from abroad?’” He added that alternative approaches might have been possible, saying, “If more sophisticated solutions were produced, people might understand the logic and support it. In that case, better solutions could actually emerge.”

“Forty Percent of Young People Want to Leave”

Another key topic was the debate over brain drain and youth migration. Erdogan said surveys conducted among young people show that around 40% want to move abroad, with Germany and the United States ranking as the top destinations.

However, he argued that many young people do not fully understand the realities of life in those countries. Using the United States as an example, Erdogan warned that economic and social conditions there can be harsh. He said, “In America, if you lose your job and can’t pay your rent, you can end up out on the street. In Turkey, it is not easy to put a tenant out on the street.”

Healthcare was another area where he drew comparisons. Erdogan emphasized Turkey’s General Health Insurance system, contrasting it with the US model. He said, “Turkey has a General Health Insurance system. There is no such system in America. Monthly health insurance costs there are around 3,000 to 4,000 dollars.”

Erdogan also shared a personal anecdote, recalling that he had to study abroad in 1999 due to the coefficient barrier in Turkey’s education system at the time. He encouraged students not to see going abroad as a permanent escape, but rather as a way to gain skills. Referring to Selcuk Bayraktar, he said young people should study abroad, build competence, and then return to contribute to Turkey.

Business Career and Sources of Income

Students also asked Erdogan directly how he earns his income. He explained that he began his business life in 2007, initially entering the cosmetics sector. Since 2009, he has focused on food and restaurant businesses. He noted that his ventures have expanded internationally, saying, “We opened a place in Dubai about a year and a half ago, and we are planning to open another one in Baku.”

By outlining his business background, Erdogan sought to clarify his professional path and distinguish it from political office.

Wealth, Success, and Cultural Perceptions

In the latter part of the program, Erdogan addressed broader questions about success, wealth, and life goals. He criticized the portrayal of wealth in Turkish television series, arguing that many shows depict characters living comfortably with unclear or unrealistic sources of income. He contrasted this with Korean dramas, which he said often emphasize discipline and hard work.

Drawing from his personal observations, Erdogan made a striking comment about wealth, saying, “I have met many rich people. If you ask me to name one common characteristic among the rich, I can name one: they are very rich.” He added that wealth does not always correlate with effort, stating that both hardworking and lazy people can be wealthy.

Referencing religious belief, Erdogan concluded with a broader life message, saying, “God gives wealth to whom He wills, and knowledge to those who seek it.” He argued that the real goal should be to become individuals with purpose, compassion, and concern for others, rather than chasing quick or effortless riches.