I would not say that one can take care of a small child with 780 leva. This is very difficult. But this was the possible and permissible. When we were looking at the budget, my thesis was not to raise taxes and to preserve all social benefits. I also raised the issue in the next budget that the maternity leave money in the second year should be increased - around the minimum wage. Not to tie it to 1077 leva, but around 1100-1200 leva is a goal that must be achieved. This opinion was expressed in the studio of “Wake up” by the Minister of Labor and Social Policy Borislav Gutsanov.
According to him, the idea is that if the young mother returns to work in the second year of motherhood – she should receive at least 75 percent of the new increase in money. This will not harm the state budget, he is categorical. According to the ministry's calculations, only 10 percent of young mothers will now return to work – the treasury will receive over 12 million leva more. “We will propose raising the money for the second year of maternity – when looking at the budget for next year”, he emphasized.
The pension system facing reform: Should the age and insurance be changed?
The Minister of Social Affairs also commented on the issue of raising the retirement age. He was categorical that it will not be raised. "There are 65 years left, and the law will be implemented in 2037", he said.
With regard to insurance, he pointed out that the "gray sector" must be fought. "I am not naive to think that we can completely clean up the 25% gray sector. But 25% is a quarter of the economy and it is not normal for it to be in the gray part", emphasized the Minister of Social Affairs.
Regarding the adoption of the euro, he was categorical that "the poor will not become poorer". And the state will continue to take care of the socially disadvantaged. "The role of the state is to ensure that there is no speculation, that people receive more funds. As well as to ensure that employers do not take advantage of this by forcing their employees to re-sign new contracts, if it is confirmed with the positive convergence report that we will officially enter the eurozone. There is no need for re-signing contracts or opening new accounts", explained Gutsanov.