2026.03.1608:00:00UTC+00Turkey Swings to Budget Surplus in February After Record January Deficit

Turkey’s public finances showed a sharp turnaround in February 2026, with the national budget balance moving into positive territory after a deep deficit at the start of the year. The budget balance rose to 24.40 billion lira in February 2026, compared with a deficit of 214.50 billion lira in January 2026.

The reversal suggests a significant month‑on‑month improvement in the government’s fiscal position, following what appears to have been a particularly weak start to the year. While the figures do not provide detail on the drivers behind the swing, the data indicate that revenues, spending, or a combination of both shifted markedly between January and February.

The latest numbers were updated on 16 March 2026, and will be closely watched by investors and analysts tracking Turkey’s fiscal trajectory, especially in light of ongoing efforts to stabilize the economy and manage public debt dynamics.