Minimum wage spent 2026 below the hunger line: MHP demanded a 35 percent raise after 10 months!

While millions of employees were focusing on the new minimum wage figure to be determined for 2027, a remarkable statement came from the ruling partner MHP. Explaining his party's views on working life at the Grand National Assembly of Turkey Planning and Budget Commission, MHP Deputy Chairman Mustafa Kalaycı demanded that the new minimum wage be raised above the hunger line.

'TRANSPORTATION AND RENTAL SUPPORT IS A MUST IN METROPOLITAN CITIES'

Pointing out that the high cost of living affects workers especially in metropolitan cities more deeply, Kalaycı emphasized that not only inflation rates but also the worsening living conditions of citizens should be taken into account when determining the minimum wage.

Calling on the government regarding the process of determining the new minimum wage, Kalaycı said:

"As the Nationalist Movement Party, we are of the opinion that in determining the minimum wage to be applied in 2027, the net minimum wage should be increased above the hunger line, taking into account the living conditions of the employees, and that employees should be provided with rent and transportation support in metropolitan cities."

MHP's emphasis on "hunger limit" and "rent support" was recorded as one of the clearest economic demands coming from the ruling party before the upcoming minimum wage determination commission meetings. However, the minimum wage announced at the beginning of 2026 has been below the hunger line since then.

GREAT MELT IN MINIMUM WAGE

According to the calculation made by the Confederation of Turkish Trade Unions (TÜRK-İŞ), the hunger limit, which represents the monthly food expenditure of a family of four, was 31,224 TL in January 2026. According to the latest statement, this amount was 38 thousand 24 lira in October.

The minimum wage applied as of 2026 is 28 thousand 75 TL. In January, there was a difference of 3 thousand 149 TL, 11.21 percent, between the minimum wage and the hunger line. According to the data announced in October, this difference increased to 9 thousand 949 lira. Currently, the minimum wage needs to be increased by 35.43 percent to close the gap. Moreover, inflation that will occur in November and December is not included in this difference.