12.06.2026 06:50
It was claimed that Minister of Treasury and Finance Mehmet Şimşek, evaluating the requests of AK Party deputies to increase retirement pensions, stated that if a regulation regarding retirement pensions is made and a decision is taken by the Parliament, they will implement it. The Ministry of Treasury and Finance announced that the news about retirement pensions attributed to Minister Şimşek does not reflect the truth, the statements are unconfirmed, and are of a gossip nature.
Minister of Treasury and Finance Mehmet Şimşek held the first of his consultation meetings with AK Party members of parliament, starting with deputies from the Eastern and Southeastern Anatolia regions.
Most of the MPs who took the floor during the meeting brought up demands for increases in retirement pensions and the minimum wage.
"IF PARLIAMENT DECIDES, WE WILL IMPLEMENT IT"
Responding to the MPs' requests, Minister Şimşek stated that there have been significant increases in retirement pensions and the minimum wage compared to previous years.
According to a report in Türkiye newspaper, Şimşek said, "In 2002, the lowest retirement pension was around $40. Today, it is approximately $400. A similar situation applies to the minimum wage. However, if a regulation regarding retirement pensions comes to the agenda and the Turkish Grand National Assembly makes a decision in this direction, we will implement it. We carry out our steps in line with the decisions made by Parliament."
MESSAGE OF A NEW SYSTEM FOR NATURAL GAS AND ELECTRICITY SUPPORT
State subsidies on energy bills were also discussed during the meeting. Şimşek suggested that the current subsidy system should be reconsidered and that support should be shaped according to income levels.
Emphasizing that the state covers a significant portion of natural gas and electricity bills, Şimşek said, "We subsidize bills by approximately 60%. That is, for a 100-lira bill paid by the citizen, the state covers 60 lira. This system needs to change. We need to differentiate between those with good income and citizens in need."
"MORE SUPPORT CAN BE PROVIDED TO THOSE IN NEED"
Stating that support should be distributed more fairly, Şimşek noted that more assistance could be given to low-income citizens.
Şimşek assessed, "We can provide more support to our citizens with poor financial situations. However, in the current system, everyone receives the same amount of support. A legal regulation is needed for this to change."