23.12.2025 21:00
The minimum wage for the year 2026 was announced by the Minister of Labor and Social Security, Vedat Işıkhan. The announced minimum wage has led to various interpretations in political and economic circles. Vice President Cevdet Yılmaz stated that in an environment where inflation has decreased and productivity has increased, policies will be implemented decisively to increase employment and provide lasting social welfare. However, the leader of the BBP, Mustafa Destici, expressed that the announced figure does not reflect the value of hard work.
The minimum wage for 2026 announced by the Minister of Labor and Social Security, Vedat Işıkhan, has brought different evaluations in political and economic circles. While the government emphasizes that the announced figure is in line with macroeconomic targets, the opposition and some political party leaders argue that the wage falls short of workers' expectations.
Here are those comments:
Vice President Cevdet Yılmaz: In an environment where we aim to reduce the inflation rate to below twenty percent in 2026; with a monthly minimum wage rising to 28,075 TL with a 27% increase and state support rising from 1,000 TL to 1,270 TL, I wish this is beneficial for employees and employers. We will continue to implement our policies aimed at reducing informality, increasing employment, and providing lasting social welfare with determination on a path where inflation is falling and productivity is rising.
BBP General Chairman Mustafa Destici: The minimum wage is not charity; it is the sweat of labor. The announced figure does not reflect the value of labor!
Leader of the New Welfare Party Fatih Erbakan: The minimum wage should be at least 45,000 TL in the face of this cost of living. This figure is not a favor; it is the minimum condition for our workers to survive. While it is said that "there are no resources" for the laborers, billions transferred to the interest lobbies, the erased tax debts of privileged holdings, waste, and extravagance stand before us like a mountain. Those who are generous to the rentier make excuses of resource scarcity when it comes to laborers. Our esteemed nation should be at ease.
Future Party: The minimum wage of 28,075 TL is the figure that the government has formalized poverty!
Good Party General Chairman Müsavat Dervişoğlu: A minimum wage below the hunger threshold condemns millions of our citizens to hunger. How will you explain this to whom, and how? Be ready for the slap of labor and sweat.
CHP Deputy Chairman Gökan Zeybek: An increase that cannot even reach the hunger threshold is not a wage increase. Is the nation your subject of ridicule? Did you calculate at those tables "what is the least that can be given"?
CHP Deputy Chairman Nurhayat Altaca Kayışoğlu: The 2026 minimum wage marathon, which millions have been eagerly waiting for months, has once again ended in disappointment. The figure deemed appropriate for workers is 28,075 TL with a 27% increase!