Özlem Zengin's statements regarding her retirement pension have become a topic of discussion.

22.01.2026 12:20

While the regulation that raises the lowest pension in the Turkish Grand National Assembly to 20,000 lira was accepted, AK Party Group Deputy Chair Özlem Zengin stated that the increase is insufficient, saying, "Yes, it is not sufficient. We all see this." President Erdoğan, in his speech to the party group yesterday, made a calculation in dollars based on the pension, stating, "The pension will have risen to 480 dollars after the new regulation."

While millions of retirees in Turkey struggle to meet their basic needs due to high inflation and the cost of living, a regulation was approved in the Grand National Assembly of Turkey (TBMM) that raises the lowest pension to 20,000 TL.

"IT IS NOT ENOUGH, WE ALL SEE IT"

The opposition reacted to this amount, which is below the hunger threshold of 10,000 lira, during the discussions. In response to the reactions, AKP Group Deputy Chair Özlem Zengin made a statement. Unlike President Erdoğan, Zengin did not defend the pension amount. Acknowledging that 20,000 lira is low, she said, "We aim to make a regulation to increase these figures as soon as possible. Yes, it is not enough. We all see this. As soon as the conditions in Turkey are most suitable, these amounts will be reviewed once again."

PRESIDENT ERDOĞAN HAD CALCULATED IN DOLLARS

President Erdoğan, who made a statement in the party group yesterday regarding the pension amounts that Özlem Zengin said, "It is not enough. We all see this," stated, "The lowest pension, which was 16,881 lira last month, will rise to 20,000 lira with an increase of 3,319 lira. This amount was only 66 lira when we took office. In dollar terms, it was 40 dollars. After the new regulation, it will rise to 480 dollars. Our retirees, who have spent a significant part of their lives serving their country, are our crown. They are more than worthy of all kinds of service and respect."

"GO TELL YOUR MOTHER THIS OFFER, SHE'LL KICK YOU OUT WITH A SLIPPER"

On the other hand, in the TBMM General Assembly, CHP Malatya Deputy Veli Ağbaba reacted to Özlem Zengin's words, saying, "But you do not hear their voices, you have closed your ears. Just know that it is our duty to defend their rights, law, honor, and dignity. Ms. Özlem, I believe your parents are retired teachers. Go tell this offer to your mother, she will kick you out with a slipper."