İYİ Party's Paçacı Calls for Pension Increase for Retirees: 'Let's Raise Salaries to Minimum Wage'

Cihan Paçacı, a lawmaker from the İYİ Party, has urged for a significant increase in the lowest pension in Turkey, arguing that the recently announced raise to 23,552 Turkish Lira is inadequate to address the severe economic struggles of retirees.

“

Today's announced figure is far from a solution to the economic bottleneck experienced by millions of retirees.

Paçacı stated that millions of pensioners are living below the poverty line, fighting for survival. He emphasized that after years of contributing to the country's development, retirees can no longer afford basic necessities. "23,552 Lira is not enough to live humanely in today's Turkey," he said, detailing how rent, utilities, and communication bills consume most of the income, leaving little for food, transportation, or clothing. He noted that many pensioners are forced to buy food in grams and meat in small portions.

The lawmaker criticized the current state of retirement in Turkey, contrasting it with the intended purpose of a peaceful and comfortable post-work life. He described retirement as a period of constant financial calculation rather than rest and social engagement. Paçacı highlighted that pensions are depleted by rent, bills, and loan payments almost as soon as they are deposited, leaving insufficient funds for living expenses.

“

23,552 Lira is not enough to live humanely in today's Turkey.

Furthermore, Paçacı pointed out the significant burden of healthcare costs for retirees, whose medical needs increase with age. He stated that the current system makes pensioners hesitate even to seek treatment due to co-payments for examinations and medications. He recalled his proposed legislation to eliminate these charges, asserting that healthcare is a fundamental right, especially for those who have worked their entire lives, and should be guaranteed by the state.

“

A citizen postponing hospital visits due to financial reasons in old age is unacceptable for a social state.

Comparing Turkey's situation with European countries, Paçacı noted the vast difference in living standards. While European pensioners can afford travel and cultural activities, Turkish retirees struggle to cover basic medical expenses. He lamented that the gap between the living standards of Turkish retirees and those in developed countries continues to widen.

“

In Europe, pensioners travel; in Turkey, they can't even go to the hospital.