Türkiye Debates Mid-Year Minimum Wage Hike as Inflation Erodes Real Incomes
Wages in Turkey
Türkiye’s minimum wage, which was raised by 30% in January 2024 to reach a net 22,104 TL, is rapidly losing its value under the pressure of rising inflation and the ongoing depreciation of the Turkish lira. According to economists’ calculations, the real purchasing power of the minimum wage has fallen to around 19,000 TL, reigniting public demand for a mid-year adjustment.
Özgür Özel Warns: “We’re Worse Off Than Last Year”
CHP leader Özgür Özel, addressing crowds at the “Defend the National Will” rally in Esenler, criticized the steep decline in workers’ purchasing power:
“Even by TÜİK’s inflation data, the minimum wage dropped from 22,000 to 19,000 TL in just four months. If there’s no adjustment in July, we’ll fall below the 17,000 TL we couldn’t tolerate last year. This isn’t living—it’s barely surviving. It’s time to act.”
Özel demanded a mid-year wage hike for minimum wage earners and flat-rate increases for retirees, echoing growing calls across the political spectrum.
Pressure Mounts Within the Ruling Coalition
According to journalist Hilal Köylü, the push for a mid-year raise isn’t just coming from the opposition. Sources say AKP and MHP lawmakers have conveyed strong messages directly to President Erdoğan, with many saying “the knife has hit the bone.”
Köylü reports that this internal pressure prompted the establishment of a special consultation mechanism between President Erdoğan and Finance Minister Mehmet Şimşek. However, insiders caution that the current economic constraints pose serious obstacles.
“There’s no money, no investment, and production is slowing. A wage hike in July seems unlikely for now, though discussions are ongoing,” Köylü noted.
Minister Işıkhan: “We’ll Act if Necessary”
Labor and Social Security Minister Vedat Işıkhan said the government remains open to revisiting the wage issue depending on economic trends:
“We are responsible for preserving citizens’ purchasing power. If negative scenarios emerge, we’ll reconsider the minimum wage in July. If there’s a need, we’ll act.”
He emphasized that any decision would be based on inflation data and overall economic indicators, with the government hoping for an improvement before July.
Opposition Pushes Relentlessly for Adjustment
Opposition leaders, led by Özel, continue to demand an urgent minimum wage revision in July and propose flat-rate increases for pensioners. Their argument is straightforward: wages eroded by inflation can no longer cover basic needs, and failing to address this gap risks both social and economic stability.
Parliamentary motions and public rallies are amplifying this pressure, suggesting the issue will remain central to Türkiye’s summer political agenda.
