A 'fairy tale' dinner for retirees at the Palace: Can the struggle to make ends meet be forgotten?

While approximately 4 million retirees in Turkey are trying to survive on the lowest pension, AKP President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan hosted retirees at a dinner he organized in Beştepe.

This event organized for retirees also brought with it criticisms regarding the life struggles of many people.

Retirees, who are suffering from financial difficulties in the face of high inflation and rising living costs, are expressing their expectations from Erdoğan regarding the salary increases to be made in the new year.

"WE HAVE ENSURED THEY LIVE IN BETTER CONDITIONS"

At the invitation in Beştepe, Erdoğan emphasized the efforts made to improve the living standards of retirees.

Erdoğan made statements saying, “Thanks to the steps we have taken during our 22 years of government, we have ensured that our retirees live in better conditions. We have always been by their side so they can look to the future with confidence, and we will continue to be so from now on.”

However, many retirees state that the salary increases are insufficient and that they expect more support so as not to be crushed by inflation.

THE CONTRAST IS ON DISPLAY

The luxury presentations served at the dinner in Beştepe created a great contrast when compared to the economic difficulties experienced by retirees.

Retirees, the majority of whom are trying to make a living on salaries even below the minimum wage, are forced to continue their struggle for life despite Erdoğan's statements.

In the face of rising prices and increasing costs of basic needs, the demands of retirees are focused on a welfare share and improvements in line with inflation in the salary increases to be made in the new year.

DREW REACTION ON SOCIAL MEDIA

While this event in Beştepe caused a wide echo on social media and in public opinion, it also laid bare the real living conditions of retirees.