The figure discussed behind the scenes has emerged: The new amount for the holiday bonus

As Eid al-Adha approaches, millions of retirees, as well as citizens receiving widow and orphan pensions, are curious about the holiday bonus. The payment, which the government announced as 4,000 TL, is planned to be deposited into accounts in the first week of June.

However, debates continue in the public sphere regarding whether this amount will be increased.

"EXPECTING AN INCREASE IS FUTILE"

Social Security Expert Özgür Erdursun warned against high expectations regarding the holiday bonus. Stating that "4,000 TL does not hold real value under today's economic conditions. When compared to the purchasing power in the years it was first given, there is a serious erosion," Erdursun noted that hopes for the government to increase this amount are weak.

"ITS REAL VALUE SHOULD HAVE BEEN 16 THOUSAND TL"

Considering the current inflation and cost of living, Erdursun explained the real value of the bonus as follows:

"According to calculations, the holiday bonus should have been at least 16 thousand TL today. However, it is not possible for the government to reach these levels. I even think that the symbolic increase of 500 TL mentioned in the corridors will not be made."

SHARP DECLINE IN PURCHASING POWER

Stating that in the first period when the holiday bonus practice began, this payment corresponded to 62.5 percent of the minimum wage, Erdursun said, "Today, this rate is unimaginable. The bonus cannot go beyond being symbolic."

"RAISE SALARIES, SAY GOODBYE TO THE BONUS"

According to Erdursun, instead of such payments, permanent salary increases should be discussed. Erdursun continued his words as follows:

"For the retiree, it is not a bonus that is needed, but a regular salary increase that will provide a real livelihood. This system is nothing more than peddling hope. Talking about the bonus is now a waste of time."

THE FIGURE DISCUSSED IN THE CORRIDORS

In the corridors of Ankara, the possibility of a higher payment is being whispered. According to some sources, it is proposed that the bonus for Eid al-Adha be increased to 8,000 TL. However, it is also stated that this claim has not gained official status and has not been announced to the public.

Due to economic conditions, it is becoming more difficult for retirees to sacrifice an animal for the holiday each passing year. Increases in food and livestock costs show that performing the sacrifice ritual with a 4,000 TL payment has become almost impossible.

All eyes have turned to the official statement the government will make at the beginning of June. However, the evaluations and statements made so far reveal that retirees should not have high expectations for a major increase before the holiday.