Striking behind-the-scenes claim on flat-rate pension hikes: Devlet Bahçeli proposed it, Mehmet Şimşek was not keen

MHP Chairman Devlet Bahçeli first proposed that pensioners be given a flat-rate raise of at least 7,000 TL during the July 2023 salary adjustments.

While the government did not respond to this demand, it was noted that Bahçeli did not speak on the matter again.

As millions of pensioners wait with curiosity for the raise to be applied to their salaries, Kısa Dalga columnist Mehmet Çetingüleç has put forward a striking claim.

Çetingüleç alleged that Treasury and Finance Minister Mehmet Şimşek was not keen on the flat-rate raise proposed by Bahçeli.

In his column today, regarding the expected raise for pensioners, Çetingüleç stated: "The information reflected behind the scenes is as follows: Mr. Devlet's request was conveyed to Mehmet Şimşek, but the Ministry of Finance did not look upon it favorably. Şimşek said that a high raise would lead to price increases and that this would be a disservice to pensioners. He pointed out that a balanced raise consistent with inflation targets would provide more benefit. However, while generally opposing a high raise, the Ministry of Finance has given permission for a special arrangement to be made for those whose base salary is 7,500 TL and below."

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