Inflation statement from Prof. Dr. Önder: 'There is intent to show inflation as low, there is no technical error'
The Turkish Statistical Institute (TÜİK) has announced the inflation data for November. Inflation was determined to be 2.24 percent monthly and 47.09 percent annually in November. Speaking to 12punto, economist Prof. Dr. İzzettin Önder explained TÜİK's method of determining inflation and stated, 'There is intent, but there is no technical error.'
Beste Çelik
According to data from the Turkish Statistical Institute (TÜİK), the Consumer Price Index (CPI) showed a monthly increase of 2.24 percent in November. Annual inflation fell to 47.09 percent. Evaluating the inflation rates announced by TÜİK for 12punto, economist Prof. Dr. İzzettin Önder explained the methods used to determine inflation.
"THERE IS INTENT BUT NO TECHNICAL ERROR"
Economist Prof. Dr. Önder stated that there is intent when calculating inflation rates, saying, "The price of a tomato in Siverek or Diyarbakır is not the same as the price of a tomato in Istanbul or Antalya. When TÜİK makes calculations, it likely takes the lower-priced locations as a basis. It does not clearly explain the table to the academic world or the citizens. TÜİK can resort to such methods to show inflation as low based on orders it receives from the government. There is intent here, but there is no technical error. Because salary and wage increases are also made according to these rates."
"THE LABORER MUST RECEIVE THEIR SHARE"
Regarding the minimum wage rates that concern millions of workers, economist Prof. Dr. Önder stated, "They announced a wage around 32 percent, but this is not accurate. These rates cannot be calculated off the top of one's head; the laborer's real share must be calculated. This is a capitalist distortion."
"FELT INFLATION IS 80 PERCENT"
Regarding food inflation, which was determined at 5.10 percent monthly, economist Prof. Dr. Önder stated, "Food, housing, and clothing are very basic human needs. A large portion of a low-income earner's salary goes to food expenses. They feel inflation much more than high-income citizens. Their perception of inflation rises to 80 percent."