Merkel: 'Noone has an interest in an economic destabilisation in Turkey'

The chancellor went on to say that the European Union needs a "stable background" in the economy of neighbouring states
Tuesday, 14 August 2018 15:54

Germany wants to see Turkey’s economy developing along a predictable scenario, German Chancellor Angela Merkel said on Monday after the Turkish lira plummeted last week.

"Germany would like to see an economically prosperous Turkey. This is in our interest," Merkel said during a news conference in Berlin when asked about the economic situation in Turkey.

The chancellor went on to say that the European Union needs a "stable background" in the economy of neighbouring states.

"Noone has an interest in an economic destabilisation in Turkey. But everything must be done to ensure an independent central bank," she said.

US President Donald Trump said Friday that he had authorized the doubling of steel and aluminium tariffs on Turkey, up to 50 and 20 percent respectively. The Turkish lira briefly fell 20 percent against the US dollar, reaching a record low amid the news. It has lost more than 40 percent against the dollar this year.

Erdoğan is due to visit Germany next month.