Turkey's economic crisis has taken a toll on retirees, as rising inflation and the cost of living have made it increasingly difficult for them to make ends meet. Despite recent pension increases, many retirees are struggling. As Turkey grapples with its economic challenges, the impact on retirees and their participation in local elections remains a pressing concern.

Cairo

Turkey is currently facing an economic crisis that has significantly impacted retirees, with escalating inflation and the cost of living presenting considerable challenges. Despite attempts to alleviate their hardship through pension increases, many seniors continue to struggle to meet their financial needs. This economic strain comes as the country is dealing with broader financial challenges and has raised concerns regarding its potential influence on retirees' engagement in local elections.



Seniors in Turkey suffer as inflation soars

This farmer's market in the district of Pursaklar in Ankara is popular with retirees. 63-year-old Selma is a widow and a mother of three and is having to choose what she buys carefully as prices soar across the country. She says as a retiree with children, trying to make ends meet is proving too difficult. And that's despite the government having increased pensions since a general election last year. If the president gives us one raise, then the price is double. He might as well shut down the markets. To warm up, I have to burn wood on this stove that I've collected from building sites. No matter how cold it might get during the day, I stay wrapped up in a blanket all the time. And in the evening, when my sons come, I turn on the stove, but make sure it's turned off before we go to sleep. Turkey's latest economic problems are disproportionately affecting retirees. Unemployment, a currency crisis, and soaring inflation have drastically lowered seniors' purchasing power. The government is trying to improve their living standards. The government has increased pensions three times this year, an overall annual rise of 33 percent, but that's still far below inflation that is estimated to be 67 percent as of February of this year. He's been a special police force officer for more than 30 years and is now retired. While showing us old photos of himself in uniform, the father of three says he's always economized and is delighted with his life. I served under several governments, and I've never been concerned about salary or whether I can make ends meet. I've managed somehow. I've never had issues. Of course, some people are working for very low salaries, but usually more than one person works in households that I know of. But people spend money needlessly. Turkey has just over 16 million retirees. Under a new pension law allowing people to retire early, that number is expected to rise to 20 million before 2030. As the country's largest social group, pensioners are target voters in local elections this March for both the ruling party and the opposition. Despite results showing most are loyal voters of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, the election results will indicate whether that's changed. Sinem Kösoğlu, El Cezira, Ankara.

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