Citizen Tells Turkish Politician: 'Economy Improves, But Our Psychology Doesn't'

A poignant exchange between DEVA Party leader Ali Babacan and a citizen during a visit to local businesses has highlighted the profound psychological toll of Turkey's economic struggles. The citizen's lament, "The economy improves, improves, but our psychology doesn't. I'm tired of life, I have no expectations left," resonated deeply.

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The economy improves, improves, but our psychology doesn't. I'm tired of life, I have no expectations left.

Babacan shared a video of the encounter on social media, emphasizing that the citizen's sentiments reflect the thoughts of millions. "These words we hear actually represent the thoughts of millions of people," Babacan wrote. "The situation society has been brought to by a bad economy, lawlessness, and injustice is unfortunately this."

During their conversation, the citizen questioned how psychological well-being could be restored, even if the economy improved. "Someone will come and fix it. Like you did in the early days. But how will psychology be fixed?" he asked Babacan, who initially inquired if psychology was unrelated to the economy. The citizen responded, "It's related to the economy, but still, an effect remains."

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These words we hear actually represent the thoughts of millions of people. The situation society has been brought to by a bad economy, lawlessness, and injustice is unfortunately this.

Babacan suggested that a sense of justice is paramount for psychological recovery. "The most important thing is the sense of justice. People saying 'I am happy, I am content' is a bit about money, but more about justice," he explained. The citizen agreed, stating, "Of course, it's about justice." Babacan further elaborated, "When there is a sense of justice, people become happy."

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The most important thing is the sense of justice. People saying 'I am happy, I am content' is a bit about money, but more about justice.

Despite Babacan's attempts to understand the specific grievances, the citizen expressed a pervasive sense of despair: "I am complaining about everything. I'm tired of life. I have no expectations left." This interaction underscores the deep-seated disillusionment and the urgent need for systemic change that addresses not only economic indicators but also the fundamental human need for justice and hope.

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Of course, it's about justice.