Minimum Wage Initiative protests in Istanbul over cost of living

Activists from the Minimum Wage Initiative staged a protest in Istanbul's Şişli district, carrying banners with slogans such as "We don't want to live on charity" and "No to living on charity." The demonstration, supported by several political parties including DEM Party, Workers' Party of Turkey, and Labour Party, highlighted the severe economic struggles faced by ordinary citizens.

Protesters demanded a minimum wage and retirement pensions of at least 71,000 lira, emphasizing that current wages are insufficient to cover basic needs like rent and food. They carried signs stating "Rents: Sky-high, Debts: Too many, Bosses: Full, No life on minimum wage," and "We don't want representatives who are full while the people are hungry."

During a press statement, the initiative criticized the government's narrative of economic progress. "This government's only concern is to maintain their power through invalidity, trusteeships, and anti-democratic practices," the statement read, directly countering official claims of economic advancement. The activists argued that despite claims of national income rising, workers and pensioners are experiencing a continuous decline in their purchasing power.

The group insisted that if national income has indeed increased, wages should be raised accordingly. They called for wage increases to be based on "per capita national income, current inflation conditions, and the needs of the people," rather than on statistics from sources like TÜİK, which they view as politically influenced. The protest underscored deep public dissatisfaction with the economic situation and government policies.