The eyes of millions of retirees are now on holiday bonuses. TÜED President Ergün stated that holiday bonuses need to be increased to a level that contributes to the budget. Kazım Ergün, President of the Turkey Retirees Association (TÜED), emphasized that the granting of holiday bonuses to retirees is the result of TÜED’s long-standing struggle. He reminded that holiday bonuses have been given to retirees since 2018 for religious holidays. Ergün pointed out that the bonuses, which were initially 1000 liras for the Ramadan and Sacrifice holidays, have now been increased to 3000 liras per holiday. He stated, “In recent years, due to high inflation, holiday bonuses have significantly eroded. The increases made to the bonuses, well below the inflation rate, have distanced the bonuses from contributing significantly to retirees’ budgets. In the year when the bonus system was introduced, with 1000 liras, our retirees could visit relatives and buy sacrificial animals. Unfortunately, with the current bonus amount, these are no longer feasible.” “REMEDY FOR RETIREES’ TROUBLES” Ergün mentioned that they receive calls and messages every day from hundreds of retirees across Turkey, emphasizing the need to increase holiday bonuses. He said, “Millions of our retirees are trying to make ends meet for a month with the lowest retirement pension of 14,469 liras. As the increase in retirement pensions lags behind the increase in prices in the market, the purchasing power of our retirees decreases. In such a situation, holiday bonuses should be a remedy for the troubles of our retirees. As of today, millions of retirees eagerly await the increase in holiday bonuses, which are currently given as 3000 liras per 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 enjoy the holiday, symbolizing reunion, embrace, and unity, with joy.”