02.11.2026 17:20
In Kayseri, a shopkeeper's words, "In Turkey, civil servants' standards are far above Europe's; even factory owners are worse off than civil servants," sparked a major debate.
In Kayseri, the statements made by a shopkeeper regarding living standards and civil servant salaries in Turkey quickly became a trending topic on social media. Comparing living conditions in Turkey with Europe, the shopkeeper drew attention especially to the situation of public employees and used stereotype-breaking statements.
"EVEN FACTORY OWNERS ARE WORSE OFF THAN CIVIL SERVANTS"
Stating that general standards in Turkey are not at European level, the shopkeeper from Kayseri claimed that civil servants' welfare level is very high. Comparing the situation of public employees with factory owners, the shopkeeper said: "Our standards are not like Europe's; I can't say anything to them. But in our Republic of Turkey, right now civil servants' standards are far, far above Europe's... Apart from them, even factory owners—honestly, they are all worse off than civil servants. That's what the situation shows."
IT DIVIDED SOCIAL MEDIA IN TWO
Many comments were made under the images, which quickly went viral and sparked public debate. Some users supported the shopkeeper, using expressions like "Honestly, you're right," while another group identifying themselves as civil servants reacted and commented, "Come and take a civil servant's place for a month and see."