Turkish Parliament Raises Minimum Pension to 20,000 TRY

Turkish Parliament Approves Increase in Minimum Pension to 20,000 TRY

The Grand National Assembly of Turkey (GNAT) has passed a significant legislative amendment, raising the minimum pension to 20,000 Turkish Lira. The change was part of a broader draft law containing various regulatory adjustments.

Parliamentary Session and Procedural Tensions

The GNAT convened under Deputy Speaker Celal Adan to discuss the “Draft Law on Amendments to Certain Laws and Decree-Law No. 375.” During the session, the opposition's request for a roll call vote led to tensions, as ballots were allegedly submitted on behalf of absent members.

Deputy Speaker Celal Adan described these actions as disrespectful to the Assembly and contrary to its internal procedures.

Following a brief recess, discussions resumed, leading to the approval of the draft law's provisions.

Key Amendments to the Civil Servants Law

The adopted law introduces stricter disciplinary and performance measures for civil servants, including:

• Salary Deductions: For individuals who fail basic/preparatory training, internships, or receive multiple warnings.
• Dismissal: Those punished with a suspension of promotions will be dismissed, with the information recorded in the civil service personnel system.
• Three-Year Bar: Employees dismissed for reasons other than health will be barred from public service positions for three years.

The law also clarifies statutes of limitations for disciplinary actions, especially if overturned by courts, and streamlines procedures for new sanctions.

Failure to meet training standards or receiving multiple warnings will now result in salary deductions.

Transportation and Other Regulatory Changes

Beyond personnel regulations, amendments to the Traffic Law grant the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure the authority to regulate electric scooter rental services and impose related administrative fines.

Financial Adjustments: Pension and Wage Subsidy

The most notable change for citizens is the direct increase in pension amounts and employer subsidies.

Minimum Pension Increase: Rises from 16,881 TRY to 20,000 TRY.

Employer Subsidy Increase: Effective January 1, 2026, the subsidy for the minimum wage will increase from 1,000 TRY to 1,270 TRY.

Session Adjournment

Following the approval of the first part of the draft law, Deputy Speaker Celal Adan adjourned the GNAT session. The parliament is scheduled to reconvene on January 22, 2026.