Erdogan was speaking in Istanbul weeks before a presidential election on May 14. Some anticipate a shift to more orthodox policies after the vote.

Turkey's central bank has slashed its policy rate to 8.5% from 19% since late 2021 in line with Erdogan's economic views. The easing cycle led to a currency crisis and sent inflation soaring, eating away at household savings.

(Reporting by Ali Kucukgocmen; Editing by Mark Heinrich)