17.76 Percent Pension Raise Proposal Passes Commission, Draws Backlash in Van

With the bill accepted at the TBMM Plan and Budget Commission, it is planned to increase the lowest SSK and Bağ-Kur pension by 17.76 percent to 23 thousand 552 liras. If the regulation becomes law, the pensions of approximately 5.1 million retirees whose salary, including additional payments, remains below this amount will be made up to the mentioned figure. For the proposal to enter into force, it must be accepted at the TBMM General Assembly and published in the Resmi Gazete.

Retirees expressing their opinions in Van stated that the planned raise remains well below expectations and is insufficient against the cost of living. Citizens stating that it is impossible to make a living on a single salary due to rising rent, food, and basic needs costs emphasized that a family of four needs at least 35 thousand liras.

Retirees also reacted to the gap between member of parliament pensions and regular pensions, and to the fact that the same amount is paid to everyone regardless of the premium days. Citizens, arguing that those who work and pay premiums for years cannot get the value they deserve, demand that pensions be increased to at least the minimum wage level.