Gökhan Günaydın claims regional minimum wage is coming: 'They want to pay less in cheaper provinces'

Group Deputy Chairman Gökhan Günaydın directed harsh criticism at the government over its economic policies during his speech at the "Labor Meeting Against Consumption and Impoverishment Policies" organized by his party. Günaydın claimed that the government is preparing to implement a "regional minimum wage."

Stating that inflation remains high in Turkey, Günaydın said that the purchasing power of the minimum wage has eroded rapidly throughout the year. Regarding the minimum wage, which he stated has been applied as 28 thousand liras since January 1, 2026, Günaydın said, "The purchasing power of that 28 thousand liras has already fallen to 23 thousand liras. It will continue to fall until the end of the year."

'THEY ARE PREPARING TO ANNOUNCE A REGIONAL MINIMUM WAGE'

Stating that they have advocated for the minimum wage to be updated every six months during periods of high inflation, Günaydın noted that the government is unwilling to do so and used the following expressions:

"They are preparing to announce a regional minimum wage. In other words, they are saying that a worker living in Istanbul should receive 28 thousand liras. Istanbul is expensive. But there are cheaper provinces. In those places, 28 thousand liras is more than they can afford. Therefore, they are saying, let's give them a lower minimum wage."

In his speech, Günaydın claimed that the hunger threshold is 37 thousand liras and the poverty threshold is 122 thousand liras. Stating that at least 10 million people live on the minimum wage, Günaydın expressed that this picture is unsustainable for workers.

Touching on the situation of retirees, Günaydın argued that 17 million retirees are living below the hunger threshold. Stating that the lowest pension is 23 thousand 552 liras, Günaydın noted that 5.5 million retirees are forced to make ends meet with this income.

Describing the government's policies for exiting the economic crisis as "placing a burden on the backs of workers and peasants," Günaydın said, "This is not fate. This is a policy of impoverishment." Günaydın also criticized the resources allocated to interest in the budget, stating that resources should be shared more fairly and production capacity should be strengthened.

Stating that his speech also contained a call for political struggle, Günaydın emphasized the importance of solidarity. Criticizing the government over processes targeting municipalities, the opposition, and imprisoned politicians, Günaydın said, "Whichever one of us they remove, we will carry that flag together."