Faruk Çelik Pledges 420 Euros of Minimum Wage

Justice and Development Party (AKP) Şanlıurfa deputy and former Minister of Labor and Social Security, Faruk Çelik, has said "The possibility of it not happening is zero" on live broadcast on Olay TV.

Former Vice Prime Minister and AKP Antep deputy Ali Babacan stating that the decision will be made by minimum wage commission had said, "we didn't say it is going to be of 420 euros".

"Our projects were kept in the background in June 7"

Çelik interpreted the difference between June 7 and November 1 elections as people choosing stability:

"Before June 7, opposition too pursued a promise oriented politics. On the other hand we didn't make any promises that could disturb financial discipline. We said what has to be done, thus our projects were kept behind. Citizens care about the money they will make. We entered the June 7 election in this atmosphere and results came out like that".

"Despite negative economic scene"

"There was almost the same scene before November 1 [election] but citizens seeing the stability was disturbed hasn't been affected this time. The citizens see the stability as a way out".

"Minimum wage will be of 420 euros"

Çelik said the following as to debates on minimum wage:

"Minimum wage is going to be of 420 euros. The possibility of it not happening is zero. The commission consists of 15 people will make a calculation by the end of December. They will say if they agree or not, then we as government will step in and offer 420 euros. They will most likely accept our offer. We really wish to increase it, it doesn't have any burden on us or citizens". (HK/TK)

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