KAYSERI, Turkey—Once celebrated as the leader who lifted millions of Turks into the middle class, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is facing the most serious challenge to his 20-year rule in an election next month amid voters’ anger over his handling of the economy.
The rising cost of food, energy, medicine and other essentials have unraveled the standard of living for the majority of Turkey’s 85 million people in recent years. Many Turks are cutting back on meat, fish, alcohol and even vegetables. Others are taking on second and third jobs or seeking ways to leave the country.
KAYSERI, Turkey—Once celebrated as the leader who lifted millions of Turks into the middle class, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is facing the most serious challenge to his 20-year rule in an election next month amid voters’ anger over his handling of the economy.
The rising cost of food, energy, medicine and other essentials have unraveled the standard of living for the majority of Turkey’s 85 million people in recent years. Many Turks are cutting back on meat, fish, alcohol and even vegetables. Others are taking on second and third jobs or seeking ways to leave the country.