There's only a month left before Turks head to the polls for early parliamentary and presidential elections. It's one that will transform the country's governing system into a presidential one. But the country faces major financial struggles – making the economy a key factor in the race. CGTN's Michal Bardavid has more details.

There are several issues that many Turks are concerned about as they are contemplating who to vote for during the parliamentary and presidential elections set for June 24th. Yet the issue that tops the list is undoubtedly the Turkish economy.

The Lira has weakened significantly, becoming one of the world's worst performing currencies this year with a loss of over 17 percent since the beginning of 2018. Though Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan announced the government will take measures to tackle the currency volatility and inflation – his words are part of the issue. Erdogan recently announced he would be more involved with the country's Central Bank policies if he is elected. This raised concerns even further as Erdogan has a different take on what needs to be done regarding interest rates. Erdogan is for lowering – while the Central Bank wants to keep it high.

Erdogan has also vowed to continue cross border operations in Syria to clear border areas of "terrorist groups". Other presidential candidates have different priorities; the main opposition Republic People's Party CHP candidate Muharrem Ince has vowed to reinstall a parliamentary system and to immediately lift the state of emergency Turkey has been under since the failed coup of 2016. Analysts emphasize Erdogan has switched political strategies over the last few years.

GARETH JENKINS POLITICAL ANALYST "Previously Erdogan had been using the politics of hope. He'd been telling people you'll get richer, the economy will get better, you'll have more freedoms, particularly freedom for the more conservative people. In 2013 he shifted, and now he's made his retention of power almost directly dependent on the politics of fear."

MICHAL BARDAVID ISTANBUL "The atmosphere in Turkey is quite tense at the moment, with most locals quite worried about the economy. But there are other issues that they want leaders to focus on as well."

TURKISH CITIZEN "The economic struggle the country has been dealing with for a long time has now become chronic. It needs long-term treatment in order to recover."

TURKISH CITIZEN "The issue I care about most is economic policies because we're going through a critical period. But in general, education policies and foreign relations policies are also very significant."

TURKISH CITIZEN "I am thinking about my children, the children of the world and of my country. First of all, I want the government to prioritize education and health issues."

With the upcoming elections, Turkey will officially transition to a presidential system which will give the new president new executive powers. Michal Bardavid, CGTN, Istanbul.