AKP deputy's controversial complaint about MP salaries: 'Let them try to manage for a month'

AKP Tekirdağ Deputy Mestan Özcan appeared before cameras in Çorlu. Expressing that he cannot make ends meet with his MP salary, Mestan Özcan complained about the AKP government.

AKP's Özcan argued that MP salaries are not as high as the public believes, stating that being a deputy brings a significant financial burden. He issued a challenge: "Whoever wants to, be my guest; I will give them both my salary and my pension; let them try to manage for a month."

Özcan stated that the state does not provide vehicles or fuel to deputies and that fuel expenses are not covered. Pointing out that flights are not free, he noted that only a discount of approximately 100–200 liras is applied. He said the perception that the TBMM (Grand National Assembly of Turkey) restaurant is "very cheap" does not reflect reality, noting that prices have been raised five times following such criticisms. He also emphasized that guesthouse and hotel fees are constantly increasing.

Claiming that a deputy's monthly expenses are at least one and a half to two times their salary, Özcan said, "Politics is an arena; whoever wants to can join a party, enter an election, and benefit from these rights." He added that he did not enter politics for money, but for service.

AKP deputy's controversial complaint about MP salaries:
Let them try to manage for a monthhttps://t.co/EuibRaojEK pic.twitter.com/FW033PAHhp

— 12punto (@12puntocomtr) January 28, 2026

HOW MUCH ARE MP SALARIES?

The raise for 2026 MP salaries has been determined. With the announcement of the December 2025 inflation data, MP salaries, along with civil servant and pension salaries, have been clarified. For 2026, MP salaries have risen to 273 thousand 196 TL. The retired MP salary has become 177 thousand 658 TL. The salary for those who are both currently serving as MPs and retired has reached 450 thousand TL.

News Source: 12punto