Special candidate pledges action on wealth disparity if chosen as CHP leader
In Turkey, as of mid-2025, poverty levels remain alarmingly high, with a family of four requiring approximately ₺86,000 (~$2,119) per month to avoid poverty, a figure that many workers struggle to attain. According to recent data, 83% of workers earn wages at or below 1.5 times the minimum wage (~₺22,104 or $544) per month[1][2]. The situation is further exacerbated by high inflation, with official annual inflation around 35% and independent estimates reaching as high as 68%, significantly reducing real incomes and increasing poverty[2][3].
In contrast, poverty rates in Europe, including Western Balkan countries, are generally lower. Poverty headcount ratios are forecasted to be around 15-20% for 2025 in some Western Balkan countries living under $6.85/day (2017 PPP)[5]. Across Europe, income inequality and poverty levels are typically measured with lower thresholds and tend to be lower than in Turkey, especially in EU member states benefiting from social safety nets and lower inflation. However, Europe's income inequality varies widely by country.
Regarding income inequality in Turkey, while specific Gini coefficient data from 2025 were not available, the wage distribution data showing a majority earning near-minimum wages combined with high inflation implies considerable inequality and wage compression under economic stress[1][2].
The Republican People's Party (CHP) leader, Ozguer Ozel, has pledged to address income inequality if the party comes to power. Ozel expressed his intention to change the current government to bring about positive changes in the country, and he has criticized the current regime for forcing citizens to either starve at home or live on the streets. During a rally in Istanbul's Tuzla district, Ozel highlighted the stark contrast between the minimum wage (22,100 liras) and the lowest pension (16,800 liras), and the high rents in Tuzla (25-30,000 liras).
The economic situation in Turkey has been further complicated by political developments. The arrest of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu on March 23 prompted the CHP to organize a series of rallies demanding early elections. Imamoglu was named the CHP's presidential candidate for the next elections on the same day he was arrested. The CHP's demand for early elections followed the arrest of Imamoglu, and the party has expressed concern about the treatment of Mehmet Murat Calik, the jailed Beylikduzu Mayor. Calik's health reportedly deteriorated during the period he was in Izmir, prompting an angiogram. Calik had previously undergone cancer treatment twice. After a second medical evaluation, Calik was sent back to prison. Ozguer Ozel expressed concern about the treatment of Calik, suggesting that his life is being threatened by stress and lack of proper nutrition.
In summary, the economic situation in Turkey in 2025 is marked by high inflation, rising poverty, and severe affordability issues for basic needs, placing it at a more challenging standing compared to much of Europe[1][2][3][5]. The CHP's focus on addressing income inequality and their demands for early elections following the arrest of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu highlight the ongoing political and economic challenges facing the country.
- The contrasting poverty rates between Turkey and Western European countries, including the Western Balkans, are evident in policy-and-legislation, with Turkey exhibiting higher levels of poverty and income inequality, whilst Europe maintains lower ones, especially in EU member states.
- In the ongoing debate of crime-and-justice and general-news in Turkey, the arrest of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu and the health concerns regarding jailed Beylikduzu Mayor Mehmet Murat Calik have sparked political protests led by the Republican People's Party, demanding early elections and advocating for improvements in living conditions.
