The attention of millions of retirees has turned to holiday bonuses. Ergün, President of TÜED, stated that bonuses should be raised to contribute to the budget. Kazım Ergün, President of the Turkey Retirees Association (TÜED), pointed out that giving holiday bonuses to retirees is the result of TÜED’s long-standing struggle, mentioning that bonuses have been given to retirees since 2018 on religious holidays. At that time, the bonus given for Ramadan and Eid al-Adha was 1,000 lira each, but with recent increases, it is now implemented as 3,000 lira for each holiday, Ergün noted. “In recent years, holiday bonuses have significantly eroded in the face of high inflation. Due to increases well below inflation, bonuses have moved away from contributing to retirees’ budgets. In 2018 when the bonus scheme was introduced, retirees could visit family and buy small livestock with 1,000 lira. Unfortunately, this is no longer possible with the current bonus amount.” “SOLUTION TO RETIREES’ WORRIES” Ergün stated that they receive calls and messages every day from hundreds of retirees across Turkey requesting an increase in bonuses. “Millions of our retirees are struggling to make ends meet for a month with the lowest retirement pension of 14,469 lira. As the increase rate in retirement pensions falls behind the rate of price increases in markets, the purchasing power of our retirees decreases. With such a scenario in place, holiday bonuses should be a solution to one of our retirees’ worries. As of today, millions of retirees eagerly await an increase in the 3,000 lira bonuses given for each holiday. Holiday bonuses should contribute to our retirees’ budgets and be raised to a level befitting their name. Retirees in difficult situations should be able to spend the holiday in a satisfying manner symbolizing reunion, embrace, and unity.”