Minimum wage criticism from the People's Alliance's junior partner: 'This trend will not hold its brakes'

New Welfare Party Chairman Erbakan, one of the partners of the People's Alliance, criticized the government's economic policy with harsh words. 

PROPOSAL OF 23 THOUSAND LIRA

According to the report by Mustafa Bildircin from BirGün; speaking at a press conference held at the Grand National Assembly of Turkey (TBMM), New Welfare Party Chairman Fatih Erbakan said that the planned increase in the minimum wage at the rate of inflation would victimize millions of minimum wage earners. Erbakan stated that the budget deficit is increasing despite astronomical price hikes.

New Welfare Party Leader Fatih Erbakan criticized the government's economic policy with harsh words. Stating that the minimum wage should be at least 23 thousand TL, Erbakan said, "It is stated that the minimum wage increase rate will not exceed the inflation rate specified in the Medium-Term Program. This rate is 36 percent. Determining the minimum wage with a 36 percent increase rate is a development against millions of minimum wage earners." 

A 36 PERCENT INCREASE IS NOT ENOUGH

Reminding that Central Bank Governor Hafize Gaye Erkan announced the May 2024 inflation forecast as 75 percent, Erbakan continued his words as follows:

"If the forecast holds, the hunger threshold will rise to 18 thousand 74 TL in July 2024. In December 2024, it will be over 21 thousand TL. This shows that the poverty threshold will also reach much higher levels with this. These data show that a 36 percent increase will never be enough."

THE TREND WILL NOT HOLD ITS BRAKES

Erbakan also spoke about the 2024 budget, which is being discussed in the General Assembly of the TBMM. Criticizing the budget for not being a balanced budget, Erbakan continued his words as follows:

"Despite the astronomically increased SCT (Special Consumption Tax) and VAT, as well as the additional MTV (Motor Vehicle Tax) and price hikes, the budget is running a deficit. The government is managing the public sector with debt. It is clear that this trend will not hold its brakes. This system feeds the interest lobby and crushes millions of citizens."

News Source: 12punto