DEVA MP’s Call for ₺35K Pensions Met with Laughter in Parliament

Tensions flared in the Turkish Grand National Assembly (TBMM) as DEVA Party MP Elif Esen proposed raising the minimum pension to ₺35,000, prompting laughter from AK Party benches during a debate on a bill increasing pensions from ₺14,469 to ₺16,881.

The incident occurred during discussions on a “omnibus bill” that includes modest pension adjustments. While Esen criticized the proposed increase as grossly inadequate, a burst of laughter from the ruling party benches disrupted the session.

Bozdağ Intervenes: “A Serious Disrespect”

Deputy Speaker Bekir Bozdağ took the floor immediately after the outburst, issuing a stern warning:

“I invite the laughing MP to leave the chamber. This is a serious act of disrespect.”

Esen: “This Is Not a Raise—It’s Inhumane”

Elif Esen lambasted the pension hike as insufficient and degrading, saying that retirees are being forced into poverty and reduced to a burden on their families.

“This is not a good-news announcement—this is inhumane,” she said.
“Retirees began this so-called ‘Year of the Retiree’ by mourning their own fate. Now, in the ‘Year of the Family,’ they are seen as burdens.”

She criticized the 16.67% increase for failing to address the real cost-of-living crisis and framed the issue as one of human dignity and social justice.

“Presented Like a Gift, But It’s a National Shame”

Esen accused the government of framing the minor raise as good news while ignoring the economic desperation many retirees face.

“This is not politics—it’s survival. It’s not about parties; it’s about people trying to live,” she added.