币界网报道：Turkey's minimum wage has effectively lost 14% of its purchasing power since January due to soaring inflation, according to calculations by opposition lawmaker Mahmut Tanal. The monthly minimum wage was raised to 17,002 lira ($578) at the start of 2024, but inflation running at nearly 70% year-on-year has rapidly eroded its real value. Tanal's analysis shows the wage now covers only 86% of what it could purchase six months ago, leaving low-income workers struggling with basic necessities. The situation highlights Turkey's ongoing economic challenges under President Erdogan's unorthodox policies, which have prioritized growth over inflation control. Economists warn the wage erosion could deepen social inequalities and further strain household budgets already pressured by high food and energy costs. The government had touted the January wage hike as protecting workers from inflation, but critics argue such adjustments fail to keep pace with Turkey's persistently high price increases. This marks the latest setback for Turkish workers after years of currency crises and economic instability that have disproportionately impacted lower-income groups. The central bank recently signaled it may pause its aggressive tightening cycle despite inflation remaining far above targets, raising concerns about policymakers' commitment to stabilizing prices. Analysts note that without structural reforms, temporary wage increases provide only fleeting relief as inflation continues outpacing earnings growth. The opposition is calling for more frequent wage adjustments and targeted social support to cushion inflation's impact on vulnerable populations.