Millions of retirees are eagerly awaiting the holiday bonuses. Kazım Ergün, President of the Turkish Pensioners Association (TÜED), stated that the bonuses should be increased to contribute to the budget. He emphasized that the practice of giving bonuses to retirees during religious holidays, starting in 2018, was a result of TÜED’s long-standing efforts. Back then, bonuses of 1000 liras each were given for Ramadan and Eid al-Adha, later increased to 3000 liras for each holiday. Ergün pointed out, “In recent years, the high inflation has significantly reduced the purchasing power of these bonuses. The increases made have not kept up with the inflation rate, leading the bonuses to drift away from effectively contributing to retirees’ budgets. With the current amount, retirees are unable to maintain the same activities they used to manage with the initial 1000 lira bonus in 2018.”

“RELIEF FOR RETIREES’ CONCERNS” Ergün mentioned that they receive daily calls and messages from retirees across Turkey pleading for an increase in bonuses. He stated, “Millions of our pensioners are struggling to make ends meet with the minimum pension of 14,469 liras. As the increase in pension rates falls behind the rise in prices in the marketplaces, the purchasing power of our retirees diminishes. In such circumstances, holiday bonuses should act as relief for our retirees’ concerns. Currently, millions of retirees are eagerly anticipating an increase in the 3000 lira bonuses given for each holiday. These bonuses should be raised to a level that both contributes to the retirees’ budgets and befitting of their status. Retirees in difficult situations should be able to celebrate the holiday, symbolizing reunion, embrace, and unity, with contentment.”