Turkey's biggest problem is in the monetary area, for which it received a rating of just 1.6. The situation seems to be getting worse on this front. The inflation rate was 65 percent in August 1999, and the interest rate on government bonds has risen to nearly 100 percent. Other problems include state-owned enterprises, price controls, and military conscription. Privatization efforts have been stymied by trade unions and other interest groups.
Political freedoms are even less protected than economic freedoms.
Liberals are either sacked from their jobs if they are journalists or harassed if they are government officials. Still, freedom of thought was improved during the recent election and development of relations with the EU has brought about a better climate. The tax reform in 1998 tried to increase the tax burden but decrease marginal tax rates. The tragic earthquake has only made matters worse. Please report any dead links or technical problems.