Students from various Turkish universities are organizing a boycott against consumer spending to protest the political climate and support the recent protests against the arrest of Istanbul’s Mayor, Ekrem Imamoglu. The initiative, backed by opposition party CHP, aims to leverage economic power. While the immediate economic impact is uncertain, the boycott symbolizes a push for political activism. The government has reacted strongly, labeling the movement a threat, highlighting the fragile state of Turkey’s economy and its potential effects on the administration.
Students Launch Boycott Campaign in Turkey
Students from various universities across Turkey are urging citizens to refrain from all forms of consumption this Wednesday. The campaign, featuring slogans like “Show who the boss is!” and “Let’s use our economic power!”, aims to make a statement about the current political climate.
This initiative follows the students’ significant role in the protests against the politically motivated arrest of Istanbul’s Mayor, Ekrem Imamoglu. Even after the celebrations of the sugar festival marking the end of Ramadan, these students are demonstrating that their influence should not be underestimated.
Assessing the Economic Impact
According to estimates from the Turkish service of the BBC, daily consumer spending in Turkey stands at around 65 billion lira, which translates to approximately 1.5 billion Swiss francs or 0.15 percent of the nation’s gross domestic product. The exact impact of Wednesday’s boycott will take some time to measure, but there are indications that in opposition strongholds like Istanbul’s Besiktas and Kadiköy, shopping activity has significantly declined. Many restaurants and cafes chose to close their doors in solidarity with the movement.
While the overall economic consequences may be limited, as household spending constitutes about 60 percent of consumer activity, experts suggest that targeted boycotts tend to be more impactful than a one-day pause in consumption.
Broader Implications of the Boycott
The significance of this boycott extends beyond mere symbolism. By intertwining everyday activities like shopping and dining with political activism, students are compelling both the public and businesses to take a stance. This dynamic could be vital for rallying those discontented with the current administration.
Representatives from the Republican People’s Party (CHP), Turkey’s largest opposition group, are echoing the students’ call to action. The CHP has also initiated a boycott against certain government-affiliated companies, prompting backlash against those who oppose the movement. Notably, concert promoter Abdülkadir Özkan faced repercussions after voicing his disapproval, leading to the cancellation of performances by international artists like Trevor Noah and the British band Muse.
Government’s Response to the Protests
The Turkish government, led by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, has responded with visible agitation to this call for boycotts. Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya characterized it as an “attempt at a coup against our economy,” while other officials labeled the movement a “threat to all of Turkey.” Mesut Özil, a former German football player and current board member of the AKP, joined the criticism under the hashtag #boykotdegilmillizarar, which translates to “not a boycott, but harm to the nation.” This has prompted investigations by the Istanbul prosecutor’s office for alleged incitement to hatred.
Historically, the government has itself targeted Turkish businesses and jobs, with President Erdogan previously endorsing boycotts of products with exorbitant price increases as a strategy against inflation. Despite the ongoing double standards, the potential collateral damage from such boycotts remains a contentious issue. Even those opposed to the government have urged foreign tourists to continue visiting Turkey, arguing against punishing the entire nation for the actions of a few.
Understanding Erdogan’s Vulnerability
The government’s strong reaction underscores the precarious state of Turkey’s economy, which may be the most effective means of pressuring the administration. Political scientist Berk Esen noted that while autocratic nations like Russia or Azerbaijan can weather economic challenges due to their resource wealth, Turkey’s population feels the effects of economic downturns acutely. This vulnerability could very well be Erdogan’s Achilles’ heel.