Government defends cost-of-living plan amid strike pressure
The government has defended its revised cost-of-living policy, stressing that it is pursuing a balanced and fair model, as a general strike continues and tensions between authorities and trade unions remain high.
In a statement issued on behalf of the government, the Prime Ministry said the ongoing war environment in the Middle East has directly affected the country, leading to disruptions in global supply chains, unpredictable increases in energy costs, and serious contractions in the economy.
The coalition government—comprising the National Unity Party, Democrat Party, and Rebirth Party—said it had taken steps from the outset to protect purchasing power, safeguard public welfare, and strengthen social consensus.
The statement noted that sensitivities within society had been closely monitored and that the government had chosen to further mature the process through broader consultation, maintaining a constructive and solution-oriented approach.
However, it expressed regret that, despite calls for goodwill, opposition parties and some trade union leaders had chosen to politicise the process rather than embrace dialogue, rejecting what it described as efforts toward compromise.
The government said it had demonstrated its commitment to consensus not only in words but through concrete steps, including the withdrawal of the decree-laws following the emergence of new proposals and their publication in the Official Gazette.
It also confirmed that proposals submitted by trade unions during consultations held on Monday, March 30, had been taken into account.
Under the revised model, a new salary scale will be determined based on the cost-of-living rate expected at the end of June. Of the resulting increase, 50 per cent will be paid immediately, while the remaining 50 per cent will be deferred and held in reserve to be paid no later than January 2027.
The government emphasised that, in line with its social state principles, it had adopted a clear stance to protect lower-income groups. It stressed that pensioners and individuals earning a net monthly salary of ₺75,000 or less would see their incomes fully protected, with no deductions applied. …
For those earning above ₺75,000, adjustments will be made so that deductions do not exceed 50 percent of the cost-of-living increase expected in June, while ensuring that no individual’s income falls below the ₺75,000 threshold.
The statement underlined that the government aims to pass the legislation in the Republic’s Assembly today with broad consensus.
Reaffirming its commitment to dialogue, the government said it would continue to stand by the public and take responsibility, adding that it would reassess the situation in light of regional developments should tensions in the Middle East ease, and take further steps in line with the country’s economic stability and public interest.
