Claims of 'election investment' style changes to pensions: Brought to the agenda in pro-government media

Although the government has so far pointed to a later date or promises regarding the expected positive economic impact of oil found in Gabar instead of responding to the retirees' demands, a step that is claimed to be taken could be an important 'investment' for elections where economic conditions will be the deciding factor.

A report on ATV Haber suggested that changing the lowest pension application is on the agenda. It was stated that this formula is a flat-rate increase.

ELİTAŞ HAD SIGNALED IT

Preparations have already begun for an early election, for which AKP Deputy Chairman Mustafa Elitaş pointed to the year 2027. The government has begun searching for a new regulation regarding retirees.

It was stated that work is underway on a new model to close the gap between pension amounts. Speaking on the matter, Takvim Newspaper Editor-in-Chief Faruk Erdem said, "While SSK and BAĞ-KUR retirees received an increase of over 12, civil servant retirees received an increase of over 18. A raise rate could be determined that would eliminate this difference, or all retirees could be included in collective bargaining. Since the update coefficient changes every year, the update coefficient must also be made fixed," he said.

Stating that the new system aims to reduce salary differences, Erdem said, "The factor that currently determines the pension is premium-based earnings, that is, the gross salary."

Erdem stated that with the new regulation to be made, not only earnings but also the number of premium days will be a factor affecting the salary.

REGULATION FOR BAĞ-KUR MEMBERS

In the current system, those under SSK coverage retire by completing 7,200 days of premiums, while Bağ-Kur members retire with 9,000 days; with the regulation, Bağ-Kur members will also be able to retire with 7,200 days. In this way, the retirement period will be reduced by 5 years.