New regulation after EYT! Gradual retirement is on the agenda

With the EYT (Retirement Age Victims) regulation accepted in the Grand National Assembly of Turkey (TBMM) on February 28, 2023, the 'age requirement' barrier for the retirement of millions of citizens was removed, while the scope of the application was determined as September 8, 1999, and earlier.

While this situation led to the retirement of those who started work shortly after the base date of the regulation being delayed by 10 to 15 years, 'gradual retirement' discussions were brought to the agenda following the EYT, which was a subject of debate due to claims that it caused discrimination among citizens.

'GRADUAL RETIREMENT WILL DEFINITELY BE ENACTED'

Social Security Expert İsa Karakaş stated that the current situation is unsustainable and emphasized that a gradual retirement regulation is "inevitable".

Karakaş pointed out the injustices being experienced, saying, "Gradual retirement will definitely be enacted sooner or later. I have even given a clear date regarding this."

Stating that there are major differences in terms of premium days and age among those working in the same line of business under similar conditions, Karakaş expressed that this is unsustainable.

'A PROCESS SIMILAR TO EYT WILL BE EXPERIENCED'

Recalling the developments during the EYT process, Karakaş said that a similar scenario could also apply to gradual retirement. He used the expressions, "Before the EYT law was enacted, even the most authoritative voices in the state were saying 'it will never be enacted,' but it was. A similar process is being experienced for gradual retirement. There is no need for pessimism."

GAVE A DATE FOR GRADUAL RETIREMENT

Giving a date for the regulation, Karakaş stated that the general elections to be held in 2027 will be decisive on this issue. He stated that he predicts the regulation, which is not currently on the government's agenda, will be moved to the political agenda when entering the election process. Karakaş said, "More than 4 million people are waiting for this regulation. It is not under 4 million either. Therefore, there are around 4 million 300 thousand to 4 million 400 thousand people waiting for gradual retirement. When we consider them together with their families, this number reaches a mass large enough to affect the elections."

'IT WILL NOT BURDEN THE BUDGET LIKE EYT'

Karakaş also emphasized that the gradual retirement regulation will not create an intensity like EYT. Stating, "When this regulation is enacted, not everyone will retire at the same time. Because there will be a fair transition process here. Unlike EYT, there will only be a grading based on insurance entry," he noted that the implementation of this regulation will be much easier for the government.