President Gul’s signing off on the social security changes, which had been vetoed by his predecessor Ahmet Necdet Sezer, had put at question the neutrality and respectability of the president, Tombul said.
“The presidency is not a notary public that approves all decisions of the political power, instead it must be an office which protects people’s interests,” Tombul said.
Under the reforms ratified by Gul on Wednesday, the retirement age for both men and women will be gradually raised to 65 by 2048, up from 60 and 58 respectively.
Workers will also have to be in registered employment for a total of 7200 days before they qualify for retirement benefits, up from the present 7000.
