Government blames housing crisis on 'youth's desire for independent living'

Turkey's ruling party has offered a unique explanation for the country's escalating housing and rent crisis. In addition to citing factors like the pandemic, the Russia-Ukraine war, and the devastating earthquakes, the party pointed to "young people's desire to live separately and independently from their families at an earlier age."

This reasoning has drawn sharp criticism from the opposition. Ali Mahir Başarır, Deputy Chairman of the YENİ Party, challenged the government's narrative. He highlighted the stark economic reality where the minimum wage stands at 28,000 lira and the lowest retirement pension is 23,500 lira, while the average rent has climbed to 30,000 lira.

Başarır questioned the government's stance, stating, "If a government, after 24 years, has a minimum wage of 28,000 lira, the lowest retirement pension of 23,500 lira, but the average rent is 30,000 lira, and here they say 'Will you blame the government, will you blame the administration?' then we are at a loss for words." The ruling party had previously touted its housing projects, including those by TOKİ, and dormitory constructions as solutions.