Turgut Ozal

Turgut Ozal was appointed as undersecretary to Prime Minister Suleyman Demirel, overseeing economic affairs. He played a key role in implementing the January 24 economic reforms.

Ozal designed and implemented a comprehensive economic stabilization and liberalization program. The reforms included devaluation, export promotion, and deregulation, shifting Turkey from import-substitution to a market-oriented economy.

After the 1980 military coup, Ozal was appointed Deputy Prime Minister in charge of economic affairs by the military government. He continued implementing his economic reforms.

Ozal founded the Motherland Party (ANAP) and led it to victory in the 1983 general election. He became Prime Minister of Turkey, serving until 1989.

Ozal's government formally applied for full membership in the European Community (EC). The application marked a major step in Turkey's European integration efforts, though accession negotiations did not begin until decades later.

Ozal was elected as the 8th President of Turkey by the Grand National Assembly. He served until his death in 1993, continuing to influence economic and foreign policy.