24.02.2026 12:11
After receiving messages about "financial difficulties" from the field, new regulation options regarding retirement pensions were put on the table in the AK Party. While the increase of the lowest pension and additional raise formulas are being evaluated, it is expected that the decision will be clarified after high-level discussions.
In the feedback received from provincial and district organizations of the AK Party, it is stated that the most frequently expressed issue in the field is "financial difficulties" and the inadequacy of the lowest pension.
PRESSURE ON RETIREES HAS INCREASED
According to party sources; rising rent, food, and healthcare expenses are increasing the pressure on retirees. It is noted that this situation is directly transforming into criticisms directed at the party, and the narrative of "general improvement in the economy" is not sufficiently resonating in the field regarding retirees.
FORMULAS ON THE TABLE
It is being discussed that AK Party officials are working on various options together with the economic management. In the corridors, it is mentioned that formulas such as increasing the lowest pension, making a flat increase, additional regulations similar to a welfare share, and increasing holiday bonuses are being evaluated. However, there is no clear decision regarding the scope and timing of the increase. It is expressed that the economic management believes a "limited and controlled" step should be taken without risking the fight against inflation.
EMPHASIS ON VOTER BEHAVIOR
In internal party analyses, it is emphasized that the issue of retirees has a direct impact on voter behavior. It is particularly stated that the economic sensitivity of fixed-income voters has increased in metropolitan areas and that this could reflect in the ballot box. Some officials argue that the issue of retirees should be treated as a separate area of social policy.
TIMING DISCUSSION
Two scenarios are emerging in the corridors: making an interim regulation in the spring months or implementing a more comprehensive package before the July increase. It is stated that the final decision will become clear after evaluations to be held under the chairmanship of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.
ERDOĞAN'S "WE ARE AWARE" MESSAGE
President Erdoğan, in a statement made after the lowest pension was set at 20,000 lira, said, "We have never turned a deaf ear to the demands of retirees. We have not left our retirees alone until today, and we will not leave them alone in the future. We are aware of the difficulties our retirees are experiencing, especially regarding rents and the cost of living."