Social Security Expert Özgür Erdursun provides date and figures: Claims of additional pension hike and holiday bonus!

Following the decision to set the lowest pension at 10,000 TL, the holiday bonuses to be given to retirees were also increased from 2,000 TL to 3,000 TL.

While millions of retirees, who have been condemned to poverty-level wages, were left disappointed, Social Security (SGK) Expert Özgür Erdursun put forward a striking claim.

Participating in a Sözcü TV broadcast, Erdursun stated that there could be a flat-rate increase in pensions before the elections. Bringing up the fact that the economic management is conducting in-depth studies, Erdursun shared a report he had received. Claiming that an adjustment could be made to pensions in March, Özgür Erdursun said, "A flat-rate increase of 2,000, 3,000, or 4,000 liras could be applied to pensions. I do not have definitive information, but the reports we have received regarding this matter suggest that a new study is underway." Erdursun also mentioned a figure for the holiday bonuses. 

Explaining that the opposition should keep the hikes on the agenda, Erdursun expressed the following:

"The President may make another announcement before the elections, saying, 'We have made a further increase.' If the government does not raise pensions, it may face an unexpected result. For this reason, the opposition must voice this issue. If the government does nothing and the opposition does not discuss the issue much or bring it to the agenda, it becomes uncertain where the voters will turn after their decision.

The government is conducting in-depth studies. Strict analyses are being carried out on vote rates and retirees. If there is no loss as a result of these analyses, they will not make an increase, and this issue will be closed. If there is a loss, an adjustment will be made by March. The Parliament will also close in the first week of March. It is also important what kind of decision will be taken after the Parliament closes.

The expectation for a flat-rate increase is much more intense. The issue of pensions has not been closed. The government may also make an additional flat-rate increase. They could also increase the holiday bonuses to 5,000 TL, if they choose to. There is no definitive situation, but the expectation is very high."

News Source: 12punto