Beyond Numbers: A Call for Structural Change

Economic hardship is not just an abstract concept, it is a lived experience for millions in Türkiye. The latest data from the Turkish Statistical Institute (TÜİK) presents a stark reality: only 14 out of every 100 people in the country meet the criteria for what could be described as a “dignified” standard of living. This means that the vast majority of the population, 86% to be specific, struggles to maintain financial stability, with many teetering on the edge of poverty.

According to TÜİK’s Poverty and Living Conditions report for 2025, 29% of the population—roughly 25 million people—are classified as at risk of poverty or social exclusion. However, when the actual cost of living for a four-person household, estimated at 79,000 TL per month, is taken into account, the situation appears even more severe. Under these conditions, the percentage of those struggling to meet basic needs approaches 90%.

While official statistics categorize only a fraction of the population as “poor”, they do not account for the millions who, despite earning an income, are unable to afford anything beyond essential expenses. This means that while 29 out of every 100 people require financial assistance to survive, 57 are barely managing—able to pay for necessities such as rent, food, and electricity, but unable to afford healthcare, education, or social activities. These individuals may not qualify as “poor” in economic reports, yet their reality is defined by constant financial pressure and limited opportunities for social mobility.

The Shrinking Middle Class and Rising Debt

The erosion of purchasing power, driven by high inflation and stagnant wages, has placed significant strains on households across Türkiye. The middle class, once considered the backbone of economic stability, is steadily shrinking as more families find themselves slipping into financial insecurity.

Debt has become an unavoidable aspect of survival for many. According to TÜİK, 56.8% of households have outstanding debts or installment payments unrelated to housing loans. Meanwhile, Türkiye Banks Association data reveals a 39% increase in personal loan and credit card defaults over the past year. These figures indicate a growing reliance on borrowing to cover daily expenses, an unsustainable trend that places individuals and families at constant risk of financial collapse.

In response to worsening conditions, the government has significantly increased social assistance spending. In 2024, 491.7 billion TL was allocated to social aid programs, representing a 61% increase from the previous year. While such measures provide temporary relief, they do not address the root causes of widespread economic hardship. Instead, they highlight the extent to which poverty has become a systemic issue—one that short-term financial support alone cannot resolve.

The Deepening Cycle of Poverty

Perhaps the most concerning aspect of the current economic landscape is the persistence of long-term poverty. TÜİK data shows that the proportion of people classified as chronically poor—those who have remained below the poverty line for at least two of the past three years—has risen to 13.7%. This signals a deepening cycle of economic hardship, in which financial insecurity is not a temporary setback but a sustained reality for millions.

The burden of poverty is not distributed evenly across age groups. Among children aged 0 to 17, nearly 39% live in poverty, making them the most vulnerable demographic. Meanwhile, 26.3% of adults (ages 18-64) and 23.3% of elderly individuals (65 and older) also struggle to meet their financial needs. These statistics reflect a broader societal issue, as economic instability in childhood often leads to limited opportunities in adulthood, perpetuating intergenerational poverty.

The implications of these figures extend beyond financial hardship. Limited access to education, healthcare, and employment opportunities further entrenches inequality, making upward mobility increasingly difficult. As a result, many individuals find themselves locked in a cycle of economic stagnation, unable to escape the conditions into which they were born.

The Divide Between the Privileged and the Struggling Majority

While the majority of Türkiye’s population grapples with financial difficulties, a small minority remains insulated from the country’s economic struggles. Only 14 out of every 100 people belong to a financially stable group, meaning they are not significantly affected by inflation, rising living costs, or job insecurity. This disparity underscores the widening gap between those who have the means to navigate economic challenges and those who are left behind.

For the remaining 86% of the population experiencing financial strain, however, daily life is marked by difficult choices. Households are forced to prioritize essential expenses, often sacrificing quality of life in the process. Parents struggle to provide for their children, young adults delay milestones such as homeownership or marriage due to financial uncertainty, and retirees find that their pensions no longer cover basic needs.

These challenges are not merely statistical; they are deeply personal. They affect the way people plan for the future, the opportunities they can provide for their children, and their overall well-being. Behind every percentage point in a government report lies a story of hardship, resilience, and, in many cases, despair.

The Reality Behind the Numbers

Addressing widespread poverty and financial insecurity in Türkiye requires more than just short-term aid programs. Sustainable solutions must focus on increasing wages, controlling inflation, and implementing policies that promote economic equity. Without structural change, the gap between the privileged few and the struggling majority will continue to grow, deepening social and economic divides.

The conversation surrounding poverty must also shift from one centered on statistics to one that acknowledges the human impact of economic hardship. It is not enough to discuss percentages and budget allocations without considering the individuals behind the numbers—the workers whose salaries no longer sustain them, the families forced to live paycheck to paycheck, and the young people who see little hope for a financially secure future.

In a country where 86% of the population is struggling to maintain a dignified standard of living, economic hardship is not a fringe issue but a national crisis. Recognizing the scale of this challenge is the first step toward meaningful change. The next step is ensuring that economic policies are designed not just to manage poverty but to eliminate it, creating a Türkiye where financial security is not a privilege, but a right.

Edited by: Melisa Altıntaş and Yağmur Ece Nisanoğlu