AreaRead the video transcript expand here
Ankara, Turkey
They burn their utility bills in anger at skyrocketing energy prices.
Turkey is struggling with a severe currency crisis.
The lira continues to lose value, everything becomes more expensive.
Esat Celik, who lives with his family in an apartment in Istanbul, is also aware of this.
Esat Celik, construction worker
»I have three children and it is becoming increasingly difficult for me to take care of them.
I bought this apartment and took out a loan and I can hardly pay it back.
I'm under a lot of pressure because I have to feed my children.«
Energy prices had exploded at the turn of the year.
Electricity prices for households were raised by around 50 percent.
Food and everyday goods are also becoming more and more expensive.
Esat Celik, construction worker
»The difference to last year is stark.
Last year we bought diapers for my daughter for 25 lira a pack.
Now they cost 50 lira – twice as much.
It's the same with baby food.
My son Muhammet was born two weeks ago.
We spent about 500 lira on baby food in two weeks.
It wasn't like that with my other children.
That's very hard.
God help us!«
In January, inflation reached almost 49 percent - the highest level in almost 20 years.
Although the minimum wage was raised by around 50 percent in mid-January, the effect has long since fizzled out.
This is also criticized by the largest opposition party in Turkey.
Kemal Kilicdaroglu, CHP Chairman Istanbul Province
"I will not pay my electricity bills until Erdoğan reverses the price increase that he himself initiated on December 31."
Many economists blame President Erdoğan for the misery.
Despite the high inflation, the President is insisting on interest rate cuts - this is fueling inflation further.
Protests are planned across the country for today.
