Ahmet Davutoğlu Criticizes Civil Servant Pay Raise Decision as “Pre-Planned Theater”

Ahmet Davutoğlu, leader of the Future Party, sharply criticized the recent Public Servants Arbitration Board decision on 2026-2027 salary increases, calling it a “pre-planned theater” and arguing it condemns millions of civil servants and retirees to live at the poverty line.

Davutoğlu Denounces the Arbitration Board

In a statement shared on his X account, Davutoğlu highlighted that the Arbitration Board approved the government’s proposal with only a minor adjustment—a 1% increase for the first half of 2027. He questioned the board’s independence, saying:

“What kind of arbitrator approves one side’s proposal with only a tiny revision and serves no other function?”

He also recalled that last week, the Future Party warned unions not to participate in this orchestrated decision, yet two unions joined the board, providing the one-sided ruling with legitimacy.

The Impact on Public Employees

Davutoğlu emphasized the human cost of the decision, stating that the pay raises leave a large segment of public servants living at or near the poverty line. He framed this outcome as a direct consequence of the government’s broader economic approach:

“This is the natural result of the government’s savage wealth transfer policies that make the rich richer and the poor poorer.”

Commitment to Change

Addressing civil servants directly, Davutoğlu made a promise for the future:

“To our public employees: We promise to be your voice against this injustice. At the first election, when we take over the administration, we will dismantle this system based on savage wealth transfer and establish an income justice framework where civil servants can live with dignity.”

Broader Implications

The remarks from Davutoğlu reflect growing frustration among civil servants who see the planned salary increases—11% and 7% in 2026, 5% and 4% in 2027—as insufficient amid high inflation expectations. Analysts note that political criticism like Davutoğlu’s is likely to fuel public debate on wage policies and income inequality in Türkiye.