The resigned Social Minister stated his categorical disagreement with the OECD recommendations to increase the retirement age in Bulgaria. According to him, such a measure does not take into account the realities in the country, where life expectancy is the lowest in the European Union.
“83.6% of Bulgarian citizens are against increasing the retirement age and I stand behind them“, he emphasized. The minister recalled that under the current law, the retirement age will reach 65 years in 2035 and only then should any possible changes be discussed.
Regarding the upcoming changes in the second pension pillar and the introduction of multi-funds - with different levels of risk - the social minister announced that he does not reject the idea in principle, but insists on serious adjustments.
Among his main criticisms are:
the high management fees, which remain unparalleled in Europe;
the lack of awareness – over 80% of insured people do not know where and how their money is managed;
insufficiently in-depth analysis of the effect on future pensions.
“Multifunds can exist, but the rules must protect people, not create new risks for their funds“, he said.
The minister reported as a key success the closure of 19 illegal homes for the elderly, as well as the revocation of dozens of licenses. All the removed elderly people have been accommodated in licensed social services with normal conditions.
According to him, the most extensive reform in social services since 1990 is currently underway, with investments of over 800 million leva for the renovation of 81 state and municipal homes. 12 renovated homes have already been opened, as well as 101 new places to stay, with more to be opened.
On the eve of the BSP congress, the Social Minister commented that despite the achieved management results, a feeling of “sinking“ and loss of identity has accumulated in the party.