Meral Akşener reveals the rumored figure for the flat-rate pension increase: 'I heard it from a friend'
Attending an organizational meeting held by her party in the Ahlat district of Bitlis, Akşener sought support for Ahlat Mayor Abdulalim Mümtaz Çoban, who joined the IYI Party. During her speech there, Akşener also disclosed the rumored figure for the flat-rate increase to be given to retirees.
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Stating, "By joining hands, we will turn Ahlat into an international center of culture and tourism where our state's important meetings are held," Akşener spoke as follows:
"The US President Biden, Putin, and the heads of state of European countries will come here. Imagine international meetings being held here, just as they were in Lausanne and Brussels in the past, and as they are currently in Sochi and Davos.
We will achieve this together. For this, first our Mayor Mümtaz must be elected. As an opposition party, we did not oppose the construction of the complex built here by the state, led by Mr. Erdoğan, but we will continue to say more loudly that it should be used more actively, vibrantly, and extensively."
"GIVE RETIREES A 7 THOUSAND LIRA HOLIDAY BONUS"
Explaining that all political parties have been talking about retirees' salaries as the election approaches, Akşener stated that retirees without side income are struggling to make ends meet in Ahlat, Aydın, and Istanbul as well.
Stating that it is impossible for a retiree to buy meat and cheese with a 10 thousand lira salary, Akşener continued:
"Now I say regarding retirees, Mr. Erdoğan, give a 7 thousand lira holiday bonus. 3 thousand lira is not enough. With a word from you, give a 11 thousand lira flat-rate increase to all retirees and make the lowest pension equal to the minimum wage. Now, I just heard from a friend on my way here. It is being rumored that a flat-rate increase will be made. It is said to be 5 thousand lira. I do not accept 5 thousand lira, Mr. Erdoğan. We calculated it. Giving an 11 thousand lira flat-rate increase does no harm to this country, but those retirees of ours will get back on their feet. They have earned this."
Reminding that all parties have voiced the appointment of 100 thousand teachers in the 100th year of the Republic, Akşener said, "I say, appoint 100 thousand teachers before the election. Again, as all political parties, we said we would abolish interviews. Children who are not appointed with 82 points, children who are appointed with 73 points. Abolish these before the election so that the voter can look at you with that perspective. When I say 'look at you with that perspective,' one side turns around and says she is asking for votes for Mr. Tayyip in the places she visits. What does that have to do with it? I want your problems to be solved. I want to be your voice."