Turkish poverty threshold more than three times the minimum wage

Turkey's poverty threshold for a family of four rose to 13,844 liras in January, more than three times the minimum wage, data from the Confederation of Turkish Trade Unions (Türk-İş) revealed. The hunger line reached 4,250 liras for the same month.

Tuesday February 01 2022 10:37 am

Duvar English

Turkey's poverty threshold increased to 13,844 liras in January, more than three times the minimum wage (4,250 liras), data from the Confederation of Turkish Trade Unions (Türk-İş) showed on Jan. 31, according to reporting by daily Birgün.

The poverty threshold indicates the money needed for a family of four to feed itself sufficiently and healthily, and it also covers the expenditures on basic necessities such as clothing, rent, electricity, water, transportation, education and health.

The hunger threshold, which indicates the minimum amount of money needed to save a four-member family from starvation a month, became 4,250 liras in January.

The minimum amount of food expenditure for a family of four living in the capital Ankara has increased by 3.71% in January compared to the previous month, and by 59.67% compared to 12 months ago.

The cost of living for a single employee became 5,587 liras per month.

Inflation has jumped to a 19-year high of 36% in December, while independent researchers found it as 83%. Although the minimum wage was increased by about 50% to 4,250 liras in 2022, lower and middle classes in Turkey continue to suffer amid soaring living expenses.