What is included under the "Savings Measures" (SM) circular and what are the main points related to social policies?
The Circular No. 2024/7 on “Savings Measures for Public Institutions and Organizations to Ensure Economical Use of Public Resources, Reduce Bureaucratic Procedures, and Improve Efficiency” was published in the Official Gazette on May 17, 2024.
The SM applies to public administrations and affiliated, related, or associated public institutions and organizations. It also includes provincial special administrations, municipalities, and their affiliated institutions, as well as any unions, enterprises, or companies they establish. Public economic enterprises and entities where the public holds more than 50% ownership, including those under privatization programs where the majority of shares remain public, along with revolving funds and other public institutions, are also covered under SM.
In this context, the link between SM and social policy is primarily through the expenditures of the Ministry of Family and Social Services and the Ministry of Labor and Social Security. Therefore, the parts of the SM circular relevant to these two ministries are directly related to social policies. However, expenses required during natural disasters, pandemics, or forest fires are excluded from SM, meaning that emergency-related expenditures by these ministries fall outside the scope of these savings measures.
What potential risks could SM pose in the field of social policy, and what steps can be taken to address them?
One clause under the heading "Acquisition and Use of Official Vehicles" states: “No new vehicles shall be acquired by public institutions in any form for a period of three years,” with exceptions for defense, security services, ambulances, and fire trucks. However, this leaves a gap concerning how the Ministry of Family and Social Services will meet vehicle needs for services such as home healthcare for the elderly, disabled, or chronically ill. Considering the significant progress in Türkiye’s public disability services, this need is plausible. If direct vehicle procurement is not feasible, a systematic coordination mechanism—possibly through the Ministry of Health—should be established to address urgent needs.
Another potential risk appears under the heading "Procurement of Stationery and Equipment," which prohibits the purchase of office supplies, machinery, furnishings, computers, and similar items unless strictly necessary. In such cases, for example, if “disability-friendly” or “elderly-friendly” technologies are required, the Ministry of Family and Social Services and related ministries must clearly define what constitutes a “necessity.”
What potential savings could SM bring to the field of social policy?
The SM framework includes cuts across various spending categories. Although there are certain risks, the benefits—such as preventing unnecessary expenditures—are more apparent. This also applies to the field of social policy. For example, under the heading “Personnel Assignments,” the circular states: “In-service training, conferences, seminars, workshops, symposiums, meetings, and similar activities should primarily be conducted online.” If face-to-face participation is absolutely necessary, public facilities should be used, and public personnel should carry out the activities whenever possible.
This measure will eliminate costly events previously held in hotels or private venues by institutions related to social policies. A similar approach is taken under the heading “Press and Publication Expenses,” which calls for publishing to be done digitally. Thus, all public publications related to social policy will be shared electronically with stakeholders.
Does SM entail a reduction in public social expenditures, one of the key indicators of the welfare state?
In its simplest definition, a “welfare state” refers to the state's presence in the social sphere, and public social expenditures are its most concrete indicator. These expenditures generally consist of education, healthcare, and social security. The extent of a state’s commitment to social welfare can be assessed based on its spending in these areas.
While it’s evident that the SM circular includes certain expenditure cuts, these relate to areas that are either wasteful or have the potential to be. These areas include:
i) general principles,
ii) acquisition, leasing, and use of real estate,
iii) official vehicles,
iv) communication costs,
v) personnel assignments,
vi) press and publication expenses,
vii) stationery and equipment procurement,
viii) representation, ceremonies, hospitality, and promotion expenses,
ix) personnel expenses,
x) energy and water bills,
xi) personnel transportation services, and
xii) other issues.
No mention is made of reducing expenditures related directly to the content of education, health, or social security services. Instead, the circular addresses technical expenditures under these headings. Therefore, the SM circular does not directly propose cutting public social expenditures.
Will public social assistance be reduced under SM?
In relation to this, social assistance is a subcomponent of public social expenditures within the social security category. The main body responsible for social assistance is the Ministry of Family and Social Services, working in coordination with provincial governorships and district offices through Social Assistance and Solidarity Foundations.
The SM circular includes no indication whatsoever of reducing or cutting public social assistance. On the contrary, it remains possible to increase social assistance payments in line with inflation.
