Commentary on minimum wage and pension hikes from a pro-government figure: 'No one is satisfied'

Türkiye newspaper columnist Cem Küçük continues his criticisms regarding the hikes made to the minimum wage and pension salaries. Having previously stated that "this hike will put a great strain on the citizens," Küçük warned the government again in his column today, particularly regarding the difficulties faced by retirees and low-income citizens.

'NO ONE ON THE STREET IS SATISFIED'

Following Minister of Labor and Social Security Vedat Işıkhan's announcement of the 2025 minimum wage as 22,104 TL, citizens struggling with the economic crisis were left deeply disappointed.

While criticisms of the hike are also rising among AKP figures, the following remarks in Cem Küçük's latest column drew attention:

“Not a single person on the street is saying ‘it is good.’ The AK Party experienced serious difficulties regarding retirees, especially in 2023 and 2024. Now, the morale of low-income people has also been dampened. It looks like the six-month difference will be 16-17 percent. However, an additional 10 percent should be added on top of this, or a flat-rate increase should be provided.”

'RETIREES' TROUBLES WILL NOT END'

In his column, Küçük emphasized the economic hardships of retirees and stated that the current hike rates remain insufficient. He expressed that if more support is not provided to retirees, the troubles of this segment will continue.

LET US POINT OUT THE WRONGS

Küçük stated, "We are journalists who support the government and our President. However, if we do not point out the wrongs, the nation will be offended with us first. Therefore, it would be beneficial for the AK Party to look at the streets a little bit," expressing that the government needs to better keep its finger on the pulse of the public.

Despite President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan's statements closing the doors to additional hikes, criticisms have also come from within the AKP.

While AKP member Şamil Tayyar found the minimum wage increase "saddening," Cem Küçük also stated that the private sector, retirees, and low-income citizens would be negatively affected by these hikes.