Poll Shows Confidence in Turkey’s Economic Management Stuck at 27%

A new survey by Metropoll indicates that public confidence in Turkey’s economic management remains weak, with only 27% of respondents viewing it positively. The findings highlight widespread dissatisfaction across the electorate—including among ruling party voters—while economic hardship continues to dominate public concerns.

Public Confidence in Economic Management Remains Low

According to a survey conducted by Metropoll Research under the direction of Prof. Özer Sencar:

• 69% of respondents believe the economy is poorly managed
• Only 27.3% think it is well managed

Notably, dissatisfaction is not limited to opposition voters:

• 39% of AKP voters also view economic management negatively

This suggests that the government’s economic policies are no longer enjoying unconditional support, even among its core base.

Pessimism About the Country’s Direction Persists

The survey also reveals a broadly negative outlook on Turkey’s overall trajectory:

• 60% of voters believe the country is heading in the wrong direction
• 29% think it is moving in the right direction

Among supporters of the ruling bloc:

• Optimism rises above 50%

However, roughly a quarter of these voters still express concern about the country’s direction—highlighting potential political risks.

Economic Hardship Still the Top Issue

As in previous surveys, economic concerns remain the dominant issue for voters:

• Cost of living pressures
• Declining purchasing power
• Income constraints

However, there is a notable shift:

• The share of respondents identifying the economy as the top problem has declined by more than 20 percentage points over the past two years

This may indicate that economic hardship is becoming normalized in public perception.

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Rising Concern Over “Injustice”

Another significant finding is the growing perception of injustice:

• The “injustice” issue has risen to 12%, making it the second most cited concern

This suggests that economic problems are increasingly viewed through a broader lens, including:

• Governance
• Legal fairness
• Income distribution

Public Priorities: Stability and Social Cohesion

The survey highlights clear public expectations:

• 37% prioritize economic stability
• 23.8% emphasize social peace and reducing polarization

This indicates that voters are seeking not only economic improvement but also a reduction in political and social tensions.

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Iran Conflict Seen Primarily Through Economic Lens

The impact of the Iran war is also reflected in public opinion.

When asked about its expected effects:

• 46% cited rising prices and economic impact

Other concerns—such as security risks, migration, and energy shortages—ranked lower.

In addition:

• 77% of respondents believe the conflict will worsen living conditions

This underscores that voters interpret geopolitical developments primarily through their economic consequences.

Global Power Perceptions

The survey also explored views on global power dynamics:

• The United States and China are seen as the most powerful countries
• Russia follows
• The European Union ranks significantly lower

This reflects a perception shaped largely by economic and military influence.

Conclusion: Economic Concerns Dominate Voter Sentiment

The Metropoll survey paints a clear picture:

• Confidence in economic management remains low
• Pessimism is widespread, though slightly softened
• Economic hardship continues to define voter priorities

At the same time, voters are signaling a dual demand:

• Improved economic conditions
• Reduced political and social tensions

Implications for the Opposition

The findings also carry implications for opposition parties.

While voters appear to maintain some level of confidence in the government’s foreign policy, they remain deeply skeptical about economic management.

For the opposition, this suggests a clear strategic need:

• Present a credible and detailed economic roadmap
• Offer a realistic timeline for recovery
• Build trust around economic governance