Özgür Özel Urges Mid-Year Minimum Wage Hike, Calls for Support to Small Businesses
özgür özel
CHP leader Özgür Özel has renewed his call for a mid-year raise in the minimum wage, warning that the current rate has been eroded by inflation. Speaking ahead of a public rally in Avcılar’s Marmara Street, Özel criticized the government for ignoring working-class struggles and said, “Inflation has already devoured the wage increase.”
According to Özel, even based on official inflation data, the ₺22,000 minimum wage has lost at least ₺3,000 in value. By July, he argued, the raise would be completely offset by rising costs.
“Small Business Must Be Protected Too” – Joint Statement with TESK
Özel also met with Bendevi Palandöken, President of the Confederation of Turkish Tradesmen and Craftsmen (TESK), to discuss shared concerns. Both leaders called for protecting small businesses, especially those employing minimum-wage workers:
“If workers, retirees, and civil servants have no money, shopkeepers don’t either. But small business owners are also employers. We support increasing the minimum wage—but small business owners must be shielded from the cost,” said Özel.
Holding Palandöken’s hand at the end of the meeting, Özel called on President Erdoğan:
“Let’s stand by our shopkeepers. Don’t leave them empty-handed.”
On CHP Congress Lawsuit: “I Recognize Neither Trustees Nor Nullification”
Özel addressed the lawsuit challenging CHP’s 38th Ordinary Congress, calling it a distraction:
“Neither the party nor its leader is going anywhere. No one should try to undermine our structure. If it comes to that, I won’t recognize any appointed trustee or nullification verdict.”
Polls Show CHP Leading by 7 Points
Referencing recent polling, Özel claimed that CHP currently leads the AKP by 7 points, urging party members and opposition voters to stay optimistic:
“There’s nothing to fear. If we must, we’ll fight even the fiercest battle.”
To Erdoğan’s ‘Same Boat’ Remark: “We’re in the Dungeon, They’re in the Palace”
Reacting to President Erdoğan’s appeal for national unity amid the Israel-Iran conflict, Özel sharply rebuked the government’s divisive policies:
“They exclude the opposition until they need us. Then they say, ‘We’re all in the same boat.’ Well, maybe—but we’re in the dungeon, and they’re enjoying the palace.”
“We Strengthen the Home Front – Not You”
Özel emphasized that the true winners of Türkiye’s March 31 elections were those promoting inclusion and democracy:
“If Erdoğan wants to strengthen the home front, he should stop treating us like enemies. The people voted for a new kind of politics—one that doesn’t treat voters like property.”
CHP to Ramp Up Rallies Across Türkiye
Özel confirmed that the party’s summer rally tour will expand following high public interest:
“We’ve already held 21 rallies and received invitations from over 50 cities. Even districts are asking, ‘Why haven’t you come yet?’”
On foreign policy, he added that CHP’s Foreign Affairs Advisory Board has convened to respond to developments in the Israel-Iran war, and their recommendations will soon be released.
