The minimum wage in Turkey will increase by 27% in 2026, announced on Tuesday the Minister of Labour and Social Security, Vedat Işıkhan: an increase that will come into effect on 1 January 2026 and that has exceeded analysts’ forecasts, after inflation reached its lowest level in four years.
In statements reported in the Turkish media, the minister specified that the minimum wage will rise to 28,075 Turkish liras net per month, which is equivalent to 557 euros at the current exchange rate, compared to the current 22,104 liras (438 euros). This represents an increase of just over 27%, even higher than many analysts had expected.
Many economists had expected a rise of around 25%, but Işıkhan stressed that the government’s aim is to prevent minimum wage hikes from being cancelled out by rising prices and the cost of living. “Our priority is to ensure that wage rises are not eroded by inflation,” said the minister, who added he would seek a “reasonable balance” between economic stability and social harmony.
Turkish opposition calls for 76% wage hike
The increase was however criticised by the main opposition party, whose leader Özgür Özel demanded an increase to 39,000 liras (774 euros): a move that would have meant a 76.44% pay rise and has been described as “populist” by Işıkhan.
The labour and social security minister recalled that Türkiye has faced significant challenges, including regional conflicts, energy crises and supply chain problems, despite which he said the Turkish economy is starting to show signs of recovery. “As Turkey strengthens and its economy stabilises, citizens will be the main beneficiaries,” he said.
The minimum wage update will directly affect millions of workers and usually serves as a benchmark for private sector wage hikes; it also has an impact on inflation, labour costs and future interest rate decisions. Year-on-year inflation moderated in Turkey to 31.1% in November, the lowest level in four years, while the Turkish Central Bank has set a target of 24% inflation by the end of 2025, although the actual CPI rise is expected to be between 31% and 33%.
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Edited and reviewed by:
Pablo Gómez is a specialist in Turkey and has been editor-in-chief of Hispanatolia since 2011. He has been analysing current affairs and geopolitics in Turkey and the surrounding region since 2006.
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