Turkish Market Vendors and Retirees Lament Economic Hardship

Market vendors and retirees in Turkey are voicing severe economic distress, painting a bleak picture of daily life under mounting financial pressure. The sentiment is one of widespread struggle, with many feeling unable to make ends meet despite working long hours.

One vendor lamented the lack of economic activity, stating, "There is no movement in the market. Diesel fuel has reached 80 lira; after a fuel price hike, everything increases." He detailed how the price of slippers doubled from 50 to 100 lira in a year, with only a 20 lira profit margin after covering a 100 lira stall fee and other expenses. "Everything is dead," he added, questioning how anyone could survive on such earnings.

Retirees are particularly vulnerable. One individual receiving a pension of 23,550 lira expressed disbelief, asking, "How can I live on 23,000 lira?" Despite being retired, he feels compelled to work extra jobs to earn money. He urged those in power to experience his reality firsthand before making decisions.

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Piyasada kıpırdama yok. Mazot 80 lira oldu, mazota zam geldikten sonra her şeye zam gelir. Geçen sene 50 liraya sattığımız terlik şu anda 100 lira oldu. 80 liraya alıyorsun, 20 lira kâr var. 100 lira belediyeye işgaliye veriyorsun. Bin lira masrafın var. Kazanacaksın bin lirayı, ondan sonra çıkacaksın yevmiyeyi. Her şey ölmüş durumda.

Another vendor starkly illustrated the economic downturn: "Is there work? The economy is gone, people have died, we need someone to wrap them in a shroud and bury them." He questioned the future when purchasing power collapses, noting that a 40 lira slipper is now sold for 50 lira, leaving him waiting all day for meager earnings to support his family.

The pervasive theme is a loss of joy and hope in daily commerce and life. "There is no taste in business, truly no taste," said another vendor. "There is trouble. May God help everyone." Retirees struggle with basic necessities, with the price of beans reaching 70-100 lira per kilogram. Many resort to buying small quantities, like 250 grams, or relying on credit cards they cannot afford to pay off. "If breathing is surviving, then I am surviving," one retiree stated grimly, highlighting the minimal existence many are enduring.

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İş mi var? Ekonomi gitti, insanlar öldü, kefenleyip gömecek adam lazım. Alım gücü düşerse, insanlar hiçbir şey alamazsa ne olacak? İnsanlar bir şey alamıyor.