Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan announced on Tuesday that Türkiye's net monthly minimum wage will increase to 22,104 Turkish lira ($630.36) in 2025, marking only a 30% rise from the previous year.

This adjustment directly affects approximately 9 million workers, often serving as a benchmark for private sector salary hikes, but critics argue it falls short in the face of rampant inflation.

Despite the increase, the hike is seen by many worker advocates as insufficient to cope with the current economic challenges. Inflation in Türkiye, which had reached a staggering 75% in May, has slightly eased to 47.09% in November thanks to stringent monetary and fiscal policies. However, this decline was slower than anticipated, casting doubts on the government's ability to manage economic stability effectively.

Worker unions and advocacy groups have criticized the government for what they describe as a lack of commitment to supporting the labor force. They argue that the minimum wage should be adjusted to genuinely reflect the inflation rate, providing workers with a living wage that keeps pace with the increasing costs of essentials like food, housing, and healthcare.

"This increase is a slap in the face to millions of hardworking Turks who are struggling to make ends meet," stated a representative from a leading workers' union. "We need policies that prioritize the welfare of workers, not just numbers on paper that fail to address the real economic pressures they face."

The announcement has sparked discussions on the need for more robust measures to protect workers' rights and purchasing power in an economy where inflation continues to be a significant concern. As Türkiye approaches the new year, the adequacy of this minimum wage adjustment remains a hot topic, highlighting the ongoing tension between economic policy and the real-life needs of the working population. (ILKHA)