The total aid provided to low-income families in Turkey has reached nearly 500 billion liras, according to official data from the Ministry of Family and Social Services. CHP Deputy Chairman Burhanettin Bulut criticized the government, arguing that these expenditures were aimed at masking poverty rather than addressing its root causes.
Soaring Social Aid Budget
- In 2024, financial aid totaling 491.7 billion liras was distributed to 4.57 million households.
- Food aid of 3.07 billion liras was provided to 4.26 million people.
- The total budget allocated for social assistance in 2024 reached 494.77 billion liras, marking a 61% increase compared to 307.11 billion liras in 2023.
Despite the decline in the number of beneficiaries, the budget allocation surged dramatically, raising concerns over the sustainability of economic policies.
Criticism of Government Policies
Bulut accused the government of using social aid to conceal the economic crisis, rather than implementing policies to reduce poverty. He stated that the low-income population struggles to afford basic necessities, while pensioners and workers are left with wages insufficient to cover rent and bills.
“The government, which forces pensioners and workers to survive on meager wages, constantly diverts attention to artificial agendas to prevent discussions on poverty,” said Bulut.
He emphasized that the minimum wage has dropped below the hunger threshold, and that the lowest pension is insufficient to meet basic living costs.
“No matter how much they try to hide it, the country has only one real agenda: Hunger and misery.”
The sharp rise in social assistance spending reflects deepening economic challenges in Turkey, as rising inflation and cost-of-living pressures continue to impact millions of citizens.