Özgür Özel: A minimum wage is essential for retirees.

CHP Chairman Özgür Özel spoke at his party's group meeting in the Turkish Grand National Assembly (TBMM). Addressing current issues, Özel reiterated the proposal for a minimum wage of 30,000 lira. Özel stated, "The minimum wage should be 30,000 lira. Small tradesmen and SMEs must be protected. Friends who are knowledgeable about tax and social security legislation should organize their work."

"A MINIMUM WAGE FOR RETIREES"

CHP leader Özgür Özel also demanded a revision of retirement salaries. Özel said: "A minimum wage for retirees is essential. The lowest retirement salary should be raised to the minimum wage. Our demand is 30, and we will not accept anything below that. Retirement salaries have eroded against inflation. Tayyip Erdoğan has a promise; he said, 'I will not let my retirees or civil servants suffer from inflation.' Increase VAT, increase ÖTV, raise electricity and natural gas prices, but when it comes to minimum wage earners, inflation rises. As CHP, we say: The minimum wage should be 30,000 lira."

DISCUSSION ON MUNICIPALITIES' TAX DEBT

The situation brought by those who say, "You ruined SGK" is evident. The premium return, which was 55%, has dropped to 10%. Labor force participation is low, and unemployment is high. Unregistered unemployment is growing. Now, regarding the lie that 'CHP municipalities are ruining SGK.' 90% of SGK's receivables are from the private sector. The SGK debt that CHP has not paid is negligible, and this debt is not ours. The municipalities of Ankara, Istanbul, and Manisa did not pay; now Tayyip Bey says, 'Our people have taken, CHP will pay the bill.' This is a way to portray CHP as helpless through seizure. Of course, we will face difficulties, there will be disruptions, but do not think that by doing this evil, we will fall from the people's hearts.