Turkish government rules out July 2026 increase to minimum wage

The net minimum wage in Turkey was raised to 28,075 TL in January 2026, but high inflation has eroded its purchasing power, with a real‑value loss of about 4,663 TL by May. Despite public speculation, the Ministry of Labour and the government’s economic team confirm that no interim increase is planned for July 2026. Under current legislation the minimum wage can be adjusted only once a year; the next Minimum Wage Determination Commission will meet in December 2026 and set a new level that will take effect in January 2027.

Official data show that a family of four now needs 35,174 TL per month for basic food (the hunger line) and 114,576 TL for all essential expenses, leaving the current net wage well below the poverty threshold.