CHP's Gürer announces: Number of people receiving soup kitchen aid increased by 87 percent

CHP Deputy Ömer Fethi Gürer made significant statements regarding the increase in the number of citizens in need of social assistance in Turkey. Gürer stated that the number of people receiving soup kitchen aid, which was 34 thousand 911 in 2014, rose to 65 thousand 414 in 2024, representing an 87 percent increase. He also emphasized that in 2024, 21 thousand 380 people received housing assistance and 1 million 587 thousand 728 households received fuel assistance.

Gürer stated that poverty in the country is increasing and social assistance remains insufficient, noting that one in every six people is in need of regular social assistance. He expressed that as of 2024, regular social assistance was provided to 3 million 537 thousand 185 households, compared to 2 million 274 thousand 182 households in 2014, marking a 55 percent increase.

CHP Deputy Ömer Fethi Gürer

POVERTY AND INCOME INEQUALITY ARE DEEPENING

Pointing out that the number of households benefiting from the Turkey Family Support Program is 2 million 990 thousand 408, Gürer stated that the per capita income of these households is less than one-third of the minimum wage. Gürer noted that the number of homeless citizens receiving accommodation assistance has increased by 66 percent from 2017 to 2024, and that income inequality is deepening.

Gürer emphasized that 1 million 146 thousand 522 people received conditional education assistance in 2024, and that these aids should be increased to eliminate inequality of opportunity in education. Stating that the health insurance premiums of 7 million 926 thousand 871 students under the age of 25 are covered by the state, Gürer expressed that these aids are important for ensuring children's continued education but are not sufficient.