Retirees' hopes for a raise dashed once again

The latest statements by Vice President Cevdet Yılmaz have revealed that millions of retirees should not expect an extra increase in their pensions this year. Yılmaz pointed out that raises will occur only at the rate of inflation, within the scope of the existing "automatic system."

In his assessment, Yılmaz stated, "There is an automatic system for raises for retirees and civil servants, and increases are shaped accordingly. Whatever the inflation is, it is reflected. A legal regulation is also being made regarding the lowest pension. This is also a social state policy. When July inflation is released, civil servant and retiree pensions are shaped. We have never allowed them to be crushed by inflation. Whatever the inflation is, we definitely reflect it. There is an area here where it is not reflected automatically (the lowest pension). It is not based on premiums; if you look at the base salary, it is much lower. Parliament will do what is necessary on that matter."

Yılmaz's words, which did not leave any open door for an additional raise or a flat-rate increase, have once again clarified that the government will not change its policy on retiree and civil servant salaries. As Yılmaz emphasized, new salaries will be calculated automatically after the July inflation figures are determined. It was stated that for those receiving the lowest pension in particular, Parliament may make regulations in certain areas.