Nearly 80% of Turks Demand Pension Hike to Match Minimum Wage

As inflation continues to erode purchasing power across Turkey, millions of retirees earning below the minimum wage are struggling to make ends meet. With 2026 pension adjustments on the horizon, public pressure is mounting for the government to guarantee that no pensioner earns less than the net minimum wage, currently set at 22,104 TL.

A new ASAL Research poll, conducted in September 2025 with 2,000 participants across 26 provinces, highlights overwhelming public support for pension reform. When asked whether “the minimum pension should be raised to at least the level of the minimum wage in 2026,” an overwhelming 78.9% of respondents said “Yes, it should.” Only 13.6% opposed the idea, while 7.5% remained undecided.

Strong Public Consensus for Pension Equality

The findings underscore a growing national consensus that the current pension structure is unsustainable amid record inflation and declining living standards. With the lowest pension fixed at 15,000 TL, retirees’ monthly income now lags significantly behind the rising cost of living — particularly for essentials such as rent, food, and medication.

The survey results also reflect public frustration with economic inequality. Over three-quarters of participants believe that pensioners should not be left below the minimum wage threshold, signaling a shift in societal expectations. This sentiment could heavily influence government policy decisions ahead of the 2026 fiscal year and potential electoral debates over welfare reform.

Inflation and the Erosion of Retirement Security

Turkey’s ongoing inflation crisis, which has severely reduced the real value of fixed incomes, lies at the heart of the discontent. Pensioners, many of whom rely solely on state benefits, face shrinking purchasing power month after month.

Economic analysts warn that without a structural adjustment, retirees will continue to face deepening poverty risks, particularly those without additional family support or private savings. “When the minimum wage rises but pensions remain stagnant, the gap becomes not just economic but social,” said one economist, adding that the widening disparity threatens to “undermine social cohesion and confidence in public institutions.”

A Call for Equitable Reform

The ASAL Research poll reveals a clear public mandate for fairness. The expectation that pensions should match the minimum wage reflects not only economic pragmatism but also a demand for dignity in retirement. Many respondents, especially younger participants, expressed concern about their own future retirement security, viewing the current system as unsustainable.

According to ASAL’s statement, 65% of survey participants were interviewed via CATI (Computer-Assisted Telephone Interviewing), ensuring a balanced demographic representation. The poll included respondents from urban and rural regions, capturing a nationwide perspective on one of Turkey’s most pressing social issues.

Government Under Pressure

The government faces growing calls to address the pension gap through structural adjustments rather than one-time bonuses. Vice President Cevdet Yılmaz and senior AK Party officials have previously acknowledged the need to “protect retirees’ purchasing power,” but stopped short of confirming whether 2026 pensions will reach the minimum wage level.

Given the intensity of public sentiment reflected in the ASAL survey, policymakers are expected to discuss potential reforms in the upcoming 2026 Budget Plan, including index-linked increases tied to inflation and wage growth.

A Broader Economic Indicator

The survey also serves as a barometer of social confidence amid economic uncertainty. The fact that nearly 80% of citizens now back a minimum pension floor illustrates how inflation has transformed public expectations and policy priorities. It also signals that social welfare and income equality will likely remain central themes in Turkey’s economic agenda for 2026.

As millions of retirees await the government’s decision, the message from the public is unmistakable: no pensioner should live on less than the minimum wage in a nation where the cost of living continues to soar.