While millions of people working for minimum wage in 2025 had to settle for a single raise throughout the year, the rate of the increase to be made for 2026 is awaited with curiosity. A notable forecast on this subject came from Social Security Expert Özgür Erdursun. In a program he attended on Sözcü TV, Erdursun discussed the effects of the minimum wage increase on inflation and living costs.
While minimum wage earners, who received a salary of 22 thousand 104 TL at the beginning of 2025, are excitedly waiting for the raise to be made for 2026, Erdursun predicted that the minimum wage would increase by 20 percent at best in January 2026. In this case, the minimum wage is expected to rise to 26 thousand 524 TL. However, Erdursun stated that this increase might not be sufficient for citizens with fixed incomes. The expert expressed that rents and other living expenses would continue to rise and that inflation would remain at high levels.
News Source: 12punto
