Ankara – A legislative proposal aimed at addressing a long-standing grievance among Turkish civil servant retirees – the lack of a fixed-amount increase (seyyanen zam) – was submitted to the Grand National Assembly of Turkey on Wednesday, February 18, 2026. The move follows a pledge made by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan during the 2023 election campaign, and seeks to rectify a disparity in benefits between current civil servants and those who have retired. The proposal comes as approximately 2.5 million retired civil servants face financial hardship, according to reports.
The core of the issue stems from a seyyanen zam implemented in July 2023 for active civil servants, which was not extended to retirees. This has created a growing income gap and fueled discontent among those who have dedicated years of service to the state. The proposed legislation seeks to close this gap by granting retirees the same 22,157 Turkish Lira fixed-amount increase currently received by those still employed, a measure the opposition CHP says is a matter of basic fairness.
Erdoğan’s Pledge and the Delay
During the lead-up to the 2023 elections, President Erdoğan publicly stated that any seyyanen zam granted to civil servants would be automatically extended to retirees. Whereas, nearly three years passed without action, prompting criticism from labor unions and opposition parties. The delay has been a recurring point of contention, with retirees arguing that they are being unfairly penalized for having completed their careers in public service. The current proposal represents a fulfillment of that original promise, albeit delayed.
The CHP’s Proposal and Justification
The legislative proposal was formally submitted by Republican People’s Party (CHP) Member of Parliament Engin Altay. According to a statement released by Altay, the proposal specifically aims to mirror the existing 22,157 TL increase enjoyed by active civil servants. Altay argued that retirees should not suffer a reduction in income simply by virtue of their retirement. “A civil servant loses the additional increase when they retire today,” Altay stated, emphasizing the perceived injustice. He further asserted that the proposal seeks to address the “injustice” between current and retired civil servants and improve the economic well-being of retirees.
Constitutional and Social Concerns
The justification accompanying the legislative proposal highlights concerns about the principles of social welfare and constitutional rights. The proposal argues that the failure to extend the seyyanen zam to retirees violates the constitutional guarantee of social security and the principles of a social state. The growing income disparity between working and retired civil servants is similarly cited as a contributing factor to social inequality. The proposal’s rationale emphasizes that retirees, having contributed to the nation’s development, deserve to maintain a dignified standard of living.
Impact and Stakeholders
The primary beneficiaries of the proposed legislation are the approximately 2.5 million retired civil servants who did not receive the 2023 seyyanen zam. This group represents a significant portion of the Turkish retiree population and has been vocal in its demands for equitable treatment. Beyond the direct financial impact on retirees, the legislation also has broader implications for the relationship between the state and its former employees, and for the overall fairness of the pension system. The proposal could set a precedent for future adjustments to retiree benefits and potentially influence public discourse on social welfare policies.
What’s Next?
The proposal has now been formally submitted to the Grand National Assembly of Turkey for consideration. The next step will be a review by the relevant parliamentary committees, followed by a debate and potential vote. The timeline for this process remains uncertain, and the proposal’s fate will depend on the political dynamics within the Assembly. The government’s position on the proposal is currently unclear, but the fact that it addresses a direct promise made by the President suggests a degree of political momentum. Updates on the progress of the legislation can be found on the Grand National Assembly of Turkey’s official website.
This issue underscores the ongoing challenges faced by retirees in Turkey, and the importance of ensuring a sustainable and equitable pension system. As the legislative process unfolds, it will be crucial to monitor the debate and assess the potential impact on the lives of millions of retired civil servants.
If you are experiencing financial hardship, resources are available. You can find information and assistance through the Turkish Ministry of Family and Social Services: https://www.ailevecalisma.gov.tr/
Share your thoughts on this developing story in the comments below.
Keep reading
