Turkish opposition calls for minimum wage increase to ‘at least $876’ amid inflation concerns
Turkish national flag on display at a bazaar in Istanbul (AFP Photo)
Republican People’s Party (CHP) Group Deputy Chair Ali Mahir Basarir has called for a substantial increase in Türkiye’s minimum wage, advocating a rate of at least ₺30,000 ($876) to address rising inflation and cost-of-living challenges.
Speaking at a press conference in the Turkish Parliament, Basarir criticized the government’s inflation targets and current economic policies, emphasizing that current wage levels fall far below the income needed for basic living expenses.
Basarir criticizes inflation projections, economic policies
Basarir highlighted what he described as a failed inflation strategy, pointing to the rise in inflation from 38% when Finance Minister Mehmet Simsek took office to a current rate of around 75%.
He expressed doubt about potential reductions in inflation, stating: “There is no data to suggest inflation will decrease, but we know the cost of necessities is set to rise.”
Basarir also pointed out the upcoming increases in taxes and fees, including a 44% rise in the Motor Vehicle Tax (MVT) and other costs like passports, licenses and fees for imported phones. He suggested that these increases disproportionately impact low-income citizens and further strain household budgets.
Advocates for $876 minimum wage to support workers
Addressing the minimum wage‘s current value of ₺17,000 ($496), Basarir argued that recent inflation has reduced its purchasing power to the equivalent of around ₺10,000 ($292).
“With the proposed 20-25% wage increase, how can people make ends meet? The minimum wage should be no less than ₺30,000 ($876),” he stated.
There is no hope for retirees or minimum wage earners, but there is a 44 percent increase in the prices of MVT, notary and judicial fees, driver’s licenses, passports and mobile phone registrations brought from abroad!
As the Republican People’s Party, we recommend that the minimum wage be at least 30 thousand lira!
If you cannot save the retirees, workers and students; bring the ballot box in the spring and let the first party of the last elections save this country!
CHP Group Deputy Chair Ali Mahir Basarir
Also on the topic of minimum wage, the Chairman of the Republican People’s Party (CHP), Ozgur Ozel stated advocated for a rate of at least 30,000 ($876), stressing that inflation and the cost of living require substantial wage adjustments. “To ensure a livable income, we must see a minimum of 35,000 ($1.022) for wage earners,” he stated.
