He announced the minimum wage hike rate: 'At best...'

Millions of minimum wage earners seem set to spend 2025 with only a single raise implemented in January. Minimum wage earners, who could not benefit from the mid-year raise given to civil servants and retirees in July, had raised their expectations for 2026.

However, the statements made by Social Security Expert Özgür Erdursun came as a cold shower to these expectations.

"IT WILL NOT EXCEED 20 PERCENT"

Speaking on a program he attended on Sözcü TV, Erdursun shared his minimum wage forecast for 2026. In his assessment, which took into account the government's wage policy and economic indicators, he said, "At best, a 20 percent raise will be applied to the minimum wage in 2026."

According to this forecast, the net minimum wage, which is currently 22,104 TL, will rise to the level of 26,524 TL as of January 2026.

THE RAISE WILL NOT COVER EXPENSES

Erdursun emphasized that a possible 20 percent increase in the minimum wage would remain insufficient in the face of high inflation. Noting that rents, food prices, and basic living expenses have increased significantly, especially in metropolitan areas, the expert said, "A 20 percent raise will not allow citizens to breathe."

THE PURCHASING POWER OF FIXED-INCOME EARNERS IS MELTING AWAY

In his statements, Erdursun also drew attention to the economic contraction experienced by fixed-income citizens, stating that salary increases do not compensate for purchasing power. Stating that inflation is still running high, Erdursun predicted that economic pressure will continue in 2026.