Minister Şimşek responds to the question about a possible interim increase in the minimum wage: We can make an increase, but...

15.07.2025 13:21

The most discussed topic at the AK Party's three-day consultation camp in Kızılcahamam was the economy. Members of Parliament proposed that the minimum wage be restructured to receive increases twice a year, similar to civil servant salaries. Minister Şimşek emphasized the importance of establishing balance in the economy, stating, "We can make these increases, but without addressing fundamental issues, they will erode quickly."

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The AK Party's three-day consultation camp in Kızılcahamam has ended. The camp, attended by party management, members of parliament, and cabinet members, drew attention with its "common sense" sessions. According to the information obtained, the most discussed topic was the economy.

DEMAND FOR "DOUBLE INCREASE" IN MINIMUM WAGE

Members of parliament emphasized the need to close the gap between the minimum wage and civil servant salaries within the current economic balances. They stated that this gap should be closed and proposed that the minimum wage be adjusted to receive increases twice a year. According to the proposal, minimum wage earners, like civil servants, should benefit from salary increases in January and July.

MINISTER ŞİMŞEK RESPONDS TO THE QUESTION OF INTERIM INCREASE

One of the most frequently asked questions during the camp was whether there would be an interim increase in the minimum wage. Minister of Treasury and Finance Mehmet Şimşek drew attention to the bigger picture in the economy instead of directly answering these questions about increases.

According to the column by Abdulkadir Selvi in Hürriyet; Minister Şimşek explained that increases made without establishing a "balance" regarding the budget deficit, current account deficit, and inflation would be temporary. He stated that they prioritize more fundamental solutions, saying, "Otherwise, we could also make these increases, but without solving the root problems, they would evaporate quickly. Once we bring inflation under control, we will have reset the system."

CHP'S PROPOSAL FOR "MINIMUM WAGE TO BE 30 THOUSAND TL"

CHP Chairman Özgür Özel recently stated in a speech that they submitted a bill to the Parliament for an increase in the minimum wage. Özgür Özel mentioned that they proposed a law for the minimum wage to be 30 thousand TL, saying, "We are waiting." He also stated that they submitted a bill for a flat increase for retirees, saying, "They are keeping retirees below the poverty line. Every retiree should receive a minimum wage; we submitted the bill, and we are waiting."

MINISTER IŞIKHAN HAD CLOSED THE DOOR TO INTERIM INCREASE

Minister of Labor and Social Security Vedat Işıkhan stated in May that it was too early to discuss an interim increase for minimum wage earners, saying, "It is too early to talk about an interim increase related to the minimum wage. We will make the necessary assessment when the time comes."

THE LAST INCREASE IN MINIMUM WAGE WAS IN JANUARY

With the last regulation made in January 2025, the net minimum wage became 22 thousand 104 TL, but it was announced that there would be no increase in the second half of the year. This situation led to a rapid erosion of the purchasing power of minimum wage earners against inflation. On the other hand, civil servant salaries are increased every 6 months with inflation adjustments. This practice has made the income gap between civil servants and minimum wage earners even more pronounced during the same period.