The Şimşek program continues to steamroll workers and retirees

Following the announcement of June inflation data, the salary increase rates for civil servants and retirees have been determined. According to data released by the Turkish Statistical Institute (TÜİK), inflation in June rose by 1.37% on a monthly basis. The total inflation rate for the first 6 months of the year was recorded at 16.67%. Economist İnan Mutlu emphasized that the announced figures are insufficient for the working and retired segments of the population.

Within the scope of the raises implemented after the June inflation figures, civil servants and civil servant retirees will receive an increase of 15.50%. SSK and Bağ-Kur retirees will receive a raise of 16.67%. When these announced rates are compared with increases in previous years, it becomes clear that they are struggling to keep pace with inflation. Many employees state that the salary increases do not cover the price hikes in essential expenditures such as basic food and housing.

The government, in a decision it has taken, announced that there will be no interim raise for the minimum wage for the second half of the year. This decision has caused great disappointment for millions of workers living on minimum wage, especially during a period when inflation is rising rapidly. Labor unions and workers' representatives reacted to the decision, stating that purchasing power is eroding day by day in the face of the rising cost of living. The impact of minimum wage hikes on purchasing power over the last two years also continues to be a subject of debate.

Economist İnan Mutlu argued that the economic policies implemented within the framework of the Şimşek program are creating serious pressure on the most vulnerable segments of society. Mutlu stated, "The announced raise rates remain far behind inflation and price increases in basic necessity items. Not implementing an interim raise for the minimum wage will deepen the loss of purchasing power in society." At the same time, he warned that steps to protect those on fixed incomes must be taken rapidly.

In different segments of society, the pressures that the announced raise rates will create on economic balances are being discussed. A broad segment of the population, from civil servants to minimum wage earners, and from retirees to public employees, is concerned that living conditions will become even more difficult in the coming period. Experts agree that more effective and inclusive measures are essential to protect purchasing power in the face of rapid inflation.

In the coming period, whether the government will announce new economic measures and what path the markets will follow in the fight against inflation remain a matter of curiosity. Economists point out that strong social policies to protect social welfare must be implemented as soon as possible.

News Source: 12punto