The election calendar and the expected adjustments to pensions are back on the agenda in political circles. According to insider information reported by Nefes columnist Nuray Babacan, the use of the phrase "brought-forward election" instead of "early election" by presidential advisors, and their highlighting of the April 2028 date, has caused discomfort within the AKP.
It is stated that party officials do not find it appropriate for a date to be mentioned as if a final decision has been made without evaluation in the authorized bodies. In the corridors, it is suggested that the November 2027 option is seen as more realistic due to variables in economic and political conditions and unforeseen developments.
Another topic of discussion is pension salaries. It is alleged that the January 2027 salary improvement, which was planned due to public pressure and recent reactions despite not being on the government's agenda, has become a subject of debate at the party and ministry levels due to both budget balances and the need for resources before the election.
In Babacan's article, it was reported that a flat-rate raise formula for pensioners is not viewed favorably. Instead, it is claimed that providing a welfare share in addition to the inflation difference for all segments is being evaluated, and that the possibility of an additional increase between 5 and 20 percentage points by presidential decree is on the table.
According to the same insider information, if the regulation is implemented, it is being discussed that the lowest pension could approach 30 thousand liras. However, it is noted that increases may vary according to age and the number of premium days, and that a uniform flat-rate raise may remain outside the planning due to costs.
It is stated that the debates regarding the election date are also being evaluated together with this financial picture. It is reported that the view that binding statements should be avoided and that the decision regarding the calendar should not be announced until political and economic conditions become clear is coming to the fore in AKP corridors.
News Source: 12punto
