Turkey political parties propose minimum wage and pension reforms

During budget discussions in the Turkish Grand National Assembly, various political figures and organizations have called for significant adjustments to wages and social security to combat the rising cost of living.

Mustafa Kalaycı, Deputy Chairman of the MHP, proposed that the 2027 net minimum wage be set above the hunger threshold. He also advocated for rent and transportation support for workers in large cities, a reduction in Bağ-Kur premium days to 7,200, and a gradual adjustment system to reduce inequalities between different pension types.

Mehmet Emin Ekmen of the DEVA Party and Sümeyye Boz of the DEM Party criticized current economic policies, arguing that wage increases have failed to keep pace with inflation. Boz noted that the purchasing power of minimum wage earners has declined despite nominal increases.

Additionally, CHP Deputy Group Chairman Serkan Sarı proposed rent assistance for low-income citizens, citing that rental prices in some metropolitan areas have increased significantly compared to previous years. Meanwhile, labor representatives from Memur-Sen emphasized that current salary hikes are being overtaken by inflation, calling for urgent improvements to maintain social peace.