Turkey raises lowest pension to 23,552 lira

The Turkish Grand National Assembly’s Plan and Budget Commission approved a draft law that raises the minimum pension from 20,000 lira to 23,552 lira. The amendment, part of a broader “some laws and decrees amendment” package, will affect roughly 5.1 million retirees and is slated to take effect from the July 2026 payment cycle. The legislation also includes a seyyanen (across‑the‑board) increase for all retirees, higher holiday bonuses, removal of health‑service co‑payments and a minimum pension guarantee above the net minimum wage. In addition to pension reforms, the bill modifies civil‑service appointment rules, expands cultural‑sector funding, and changes driver‑license provisions. Opposition MPs from the CHP criticised the measure, arguing that the new amount remains far below the national “hunger line” and will not stop retirees from facing financial hardship. The law now awaits a vote in the full Assembly and presidential approval before being published in the Official Gazette.