Backlash against Vedat Işıkhan's pension statement

Minister of Labor and Social Security Vedat Işıkhan made statements regarding the pension system in Turkey during a program he attended on the ENSONHABER YouTube channel. However, the expressions used by the Minister quickly became one of the most discussed topics on social media.

Işıkhan expressed that the state is struggling to pay pensions with the following words:

"Thank God, we are paying the pensions of retirees even though we are in difficult conditions."

COMPARISON WITH EUROPE

Touching upon the pension systems in European countries, the Minister stated that in Germany, one works for 40 years for retirement and then receives a pension for 15-20 years, whereas in Turkey, this balance is the exact opposite. Stating that countries like England and Germany are turning toward austerity measures, Işıkhan indicated that savings could be achieved through cuts to be made from retirees and minimum wage earners, in addition to social assistance.

REACTIONS GREW ON SOCIAL MEDIA

Işıkhan's words led to intense criticism in the comments section of the YouTube program and on social media platforms. Users reacted to the minister's words, particularly by drawing attention to the cost of living.

Some of the comments were as follows:

"Always cut from the retiree and the minimum wage earner."

"Dear Minister, house rent is 20,000 TL, minimum wage is 22,000 TL, pension is 18,000 TL. How are we supposed to get married and have 3 children? Are you making fun of people? Young people have no expectations from life; all I know is that this government is an enemy of the poor."

"Why should I work? Minimum wage is 22,000 TL, rent is 20,000 TL. Why should I get married? The best thing is to sit at a tea house."

"He is telling this while smiling without shame. Can you explain why retirees are forced to work?"

News Source: 12punto