13.12.2025 16:45
The leader of the CHP, Özgür Özel, stated at the Kayseri rally that the minimum wage should be 38,000–39,000 TL, not 27,000–28,000 TL. Criticizing the current calculation methods, Özel emphasized that "a minimum wage of 39,000 TL is a right" and that the state cannot leave workers at the mercy of employers.
The 75th rally of the CHP, organized with a call for freedom and early elections for Ekrem İmamoğlu, was held at Kayseri Republic Square. CHP Chairman Özgür Özel, who arrived at the rally by truck, stated that 25 million signatures had been collected for İmamoğlu in this truck.
"KAYSERİ IS NOT ANYONE'S FORTRESS"
Özel, who started his speech by drawing attention to the crowd in the square, opposed the perception of Kayseri as "the fortress of the AKP." Özel said, "The fortress politics is over. Kayseri belongs to no one, it is the fortress of the people."
CRITICISM OF THE ECONOMY AND CRISIS
Özel stated that Turkey has been experiencing a chronic economic crisis since 2018, criticizing the government over high inflation, food prices, interest rates, and unemployment. Özel claimed that Turkey ranks high in many categories in European and world rankings, expressing that the purchasing power of citizens has significantly decreased.
MINIMUM WAGE STATEMENT: 39 THOUSAND TL IS A RIGHT
One of the most striking topics in Özel's speech was the minimum wage. Describing the current calculations as "fraud," Özel stated that the state cannot leave minimum wage earners at the mercy of employers. Emphasizing that employers should receive premium and social security support, Özel expressed that the minimum wage should be 38-39 thousand TL, not 27-28 thousand TL. Criticizing the government with a saying specific to Kayseri, Özel said, "They say 4, they say 9, they add up, and say 30. This is not how calculations work. We say 3, we say 9, and when we put them side by side, we say 39. A minimum wage of 39 thousand TL is a right."