Turkey's pension promise to tradesmen unfulfilled, opposition proposal rejected

Tradesmen in Turkey are expressing frustration as a key election promise regarding pension eligibility remains unfulfilled. The ruling party had pledged to lower the required contribution days for pensions from 9,000 to 7,200 before the 2023 elections. However, years later, this change has yet to be implemented, leaving many tradesmen in limbo.

The issue gained renewed attention when the opposition CHP party proposed legislation to enact the promised reduction. This proposal was subsequently rejected by the ruling coalition, further fueling discontent among those who had anticipated the change. The government's inaction on this matter has drawn sharp criticism from opposition figures.

“

Forty months have passed since this promise. Forty of your promises have come and gone, but unfortunately, you show no shame.

CHP Balıkesir Deputy Serkan Sarı directly addressed the government, stating, "Forty months have passed since this promise. Forty of your promises have come and gone, but unfortunately, you show no shame." Sarı detailed the consequences for tradesmen, explaining that many had planned their finances around the expected pension reform. They took out loans to pay off their contribution debts, only to find themselves unable to retire as planned, burdened by debt, and struggling economically amid the ongoing financial crisis.

“

Citizens were hopeful about retirement, took out loans to pay off their contribution debts, and when the promise was not kept, they could neither retire nor pay off their debts, and they are eroding under the economic crisis.