Turkish economy minister sees lower rates as vital after Erdogan victory

Turkey's incumbent President Abdullah Gul and his wife Hayrunnisa Gul cast their ballots during presidential elections in Ankara August 10, 2014. REUTERS/Umit Bektas

ANKARA (Reuters) - Turkey's government will maintain its calls for lower interest rates following Prime Minister Tayyip Erdogan's victory in the country's first direct presidential election, the economy minister said on Monday.

Turkey has emerged as a regional economic force during more than a decade under Erdogan as prime minister, his firm leadership following a long period of economic chaos and political drift in the nation of 77 million.