Main opposition leader Ozel urges nationwide protest over low wages, pensions

The leader of Türkiye’s main opposition, the Republican People’s Party (CHP), Ozgur Ozel, made a significant call to action during his party’s group meeting.

Speaking from the podium, Ozel addressed the citizens of Türkiye, saying: “I am calling on all of Türkiye. Stand up at 9:00 p.m. tonight. If you want a raise, if you want a raise for retirees, if you want a raise in the minimum wage, turn the lights on and off.”

Ozel has been vocal about the need to increase retirement pensions, a major point of contention in Türkiye.

Many retirees are dissatisfied with their low pensions, and it is believed that the ruling Justice and Development Party (AK Party)’s losses in local elections were partly because of retirees seeking to penalize the government.

Continuing his speech, Ozel criticized the Turkish Statistical Institute’s (TUIK) inflation data.

“We are faced with an open betrayal carried out and sustained by a state institution against low-income earners. The inflation rate they announce is not just statistics. It’s bread, the morsel that passes through the throat, milk for the child, coal to be burned at home. People receive raises according to this. For years, TUIK has not disclosed the data that should be transparent,” He stated.

Ozel’s remarks reflect the growing frustration among citizens over economic conditions, especially the accuracy and transparency of inflation data, which directly affects wage adjustments and pensions.

His call for a nationwide protest is aimed at highlighting these issues and pressuring the government to take action.