22.07.2026 06:40
The discussions on the entirety of the bill proposing to increase the minimum pension, affecting millions of retirees, from 20,000 lira to 23,552 lira, have been completed in the Turkish Grand National Assembly General Assembly. During the talks, the opposition argued that the raise amount was insufficient, and the debate on the bill will continue in the next session.
In the Turkish Grand National Assembly General Assembly, the 'Draft Law on Amendments to Certain Laws and Decree Laws,' which includes a regulation to increase the minimum pension from 20,000 lira to 23,552 lira, was discussed. While discussions on the entire draft have been completed, political parties made different assessments regarding the regulation, particularly concerning pension payments.
During the General Assembly session chaired by Deputy Speaker Celal Adan, after non-agenda speeches, discussions on the draft law began. The draft includes a provision to raise the minimum pension from 20,000 lira to 23,552 lira. Following the discussions, negotiations on the entire draft were concluded.
DEBATE OVER OMNIBUS LAW
Sadullah Kısacık, MP for Adana from the New Path Party, argued that addressing numerous different regulations in a single omnibus law reduces legislative quality. Kısacık criticized this method, stating that the draft contains many provisions covering various fields.
FIERY POLEMIC OVER PENSION AMOUNTS
Erhan Usta, MP for Samsun from the İYİ Party, noted that the hunger line is around 35,000 lira and said the minimum pension remains significantly below this figure. Usta stated that not only the minimum pension but all pension amounts need to be increased.
Hakkı Saruhan Oluç, MP for Antalya from the DEM Party, argued that retirees face financial hardship and criticized budget priorities.
Cavit Arı, MP for Antalya from the CHP, stated that a pension of 23,552 lira would not be enough to meet retirees' basic needs and suggested that the minimum pension should be raised to the minimum wage level.
SUPPORT FOR THE DRAFT FROM MHP
Faruk Aksu, MP for Istanbul from the MHP, noted that the draft includes regulations in various areas from cybersecurity to energy, and tourism to social security, and said that important steps have been taken to meet citizens' expectations.
GENERAL ASSEMBLY ADJOURNED
After the talks on the entire draft were completed, TBMM Deputy Speaker Celal Adan adjourned the General Assembly session, which will reconvene on July 23rd.