Minimum wage forecast from social security expert

As the new year approaches, the rate of the upcoming minimum wage hike is being awaited with curiosity. Social Security Expert Özgür Erdursun shared his expectations regarding the minimum wage increase for 2026. Erdursun stated that there will be a raise of at least 20 percent in the minimum wage at the start of the year and said that this increase should be implemented without adding to the financial burden on employers.

Erdursun expressed that pension payments do not cover current rent prices, stating, "Today, the lowest pension is 16,881 liras, but the lowest rent is around 20,000 liras. This situation seriously affects the living standards of retirees." He also drew attention to the tax burden employers face when they want to make additional payments to their employees.

Erdursun argued that even if inflation were to be zeroed out, it would not increase purchasing power, and maintained that salaries must be increased above the rate of inflation. He made suggestions such as implementing flat-rate raises, reducing taxes, and lowering insurance premiums. He stated that in this way, real support could be provided to employees.

Expecting year-end inflation to be around 30 percent, Erdursun predicted that a 12 percent raise would be given to SSK and Bağ-Kur retirees, and an 18 percent raise to civil servants and retired civil servants. Stating that the inflation target for 2026 is 16 percent, Erdursun said that for this reason, an increase of around 20 percent in the minimum wage is likely. The current minimum wage of 22,104 liras would rise to 26,524 liras with this increase.