Turkish lawmakers urged to re-focus on the economy

The rising current account deficit, inflation, and high employment remain lingering problems that the ruling Justice and Development Party (AK Party) will have to tackle in its third term after Sunday's election victory, according to several economists. "The general election results were expected by investors," said Banu Kivci Tokali, chief economist at Destek Securities. "Though the results will boost the power and respectability of the AK Party, Turkey's economic challenges will need to be tackled as soon as possible." Nuran Toguc, chief economist of Ata Invest, said, "Markets will enjoy the political stability assured by the AK Party for the third time," adding that the nation's major economic challenges will remain a major burden on the shoulders of the new government.