Van retirees protest rising living costs and low pensions

Timur Sayyiğit, the Van branch president of the DİSK Revolutionary Retirees Union, has led a protest regarding the economic hardships faced by retirees. During a press conference, Sayyiğit highlighted that low monthly pensions, rising rents, and high utility costs are making it impossible for retirees to live with dignity.

Sayyiğit noted that in Van, average rents have reached 30,000 to 35,000 lira, making it unfeasible for retirees receiving 23,000 lira per month to afford housing. He stated that approximately 35 percent of retirees in the region live in rented accommodations. Additionally, he criticized the high cost of water in Van and called for the Turkish Statistical Institute (TÜİK) to operate more independently regarding inflation data. The union demanded justice in both income and taxation, warning that retirees would express their dissatisfaction at the ballot box if their demands are not met.