Laughter as Retirees Struggle: Parliament Erupts Over Pension Below Minimum Wage
Wages in Turkey
Türkiye’s ruling coalition has approved a bill raising the lowest monthly pension to ₺16,881, leaving nearly 4 million retirees with income below both the minimum wage and hunger line. The bill passed in the Turkish Grand National Assembly (TBMM) despite strong opposition calls to raise pensions to match the net minimum wage of ₺22,104.
The opposition’s proposal was firmly rejected, sparking heated debate and emotional scenes during the session. Notably, laughter erupted from AKP lawmakers during the pension discussions, drawing immediate backlash—even from within their own ranks.
The bill, passed as part of a broader “omnibus law”, also included provisions to extend retirement age limits for top military ranks. While some clauses were later removed following criticism, the pension article remained unchanged.
“This Is Not a Picnic!”
During the session, DEVA Party MP Elif Esen spoke on behalf of the Yeni Yol group, noting that in 2001, the lowest pension was 1.5 times higher than the minimum wage, but has now fallen far behind. She argued that a fair pension today should be around ₺35,000.
As Esen addressed the floor, snickers and laughter from AKP seats were recorded in official transcripts as “(laughter from AKP benches).”
This prompted Deputy Speaker Bekir Bozdağ, also from the AKP, to intervene harshly:
“This is not a picnic, this is not a coffeehouse. Whoever is laughing—please leave the chamber.”
Bozdağ’s rare public scolding drew applause from CHP, DEM Party, İYİ Party, and Yeni Yol benches. His remarks continued:
“This is a serious matter. We’re discussing retirees’ livelihoods. Show some respect.”
DEVA MP Mehmet Emin Ekmen also condemned the outburst, exclaiming, “Laughing during a debate about retirees is shameful!”
Opposition Blocked, Some Articles Removed
While the government did walk back on a few controversial clauses, such as requiring registered electronic notifications (KEP) for labor-related notices and a proposal involving private employment agencies, it pushed through a hotly contested tourism labor article.
Despite union objections and opposition protests, the ruling party approved a rule forcing tourism workers to take their weekly day off on the 11th day, rather than the 7th.
The session has since become a flashpoint in the ongoing debate over social justice, wage equality, and the government’s stance on retirees.
