We wanted much more, for a larger number of people, but this was what was possible at this stage. This is how the Minister of Labor and Social Policy Borislav Gutsanov commented to deputies in the relevant parliamentary committee on the decision to grant Easter supplements, BTA reports. An additional 50 leva will be received by people whose pension or the sum of the pensions together with the supplements and compensations to them for December is up to 638 leva inclusive, the government decided earlier today.
It is better to have found this money than to have had absolutely nothing, Gutsanov also said. According to the words, the government decision is to be published in the State Gazette on Friday. Gutsanov said that the Easter supplements will be for just under 700,000 pensioners.
The BSP and this government did everything possible not to raise taxes, which was a difficult decision, the minister also said. He also noted as important the decision to preserve the “Swiss rule“ in its current form. He stressed that the possibilities of raising funds for the second year of maternity leave will be discussed starting next year, but also to encourage mothers to return to work sooner.
On the topic of the development of the labor market, Borislav Gutsanov said that there must be clarity about which sectors of the economy will develop at least 10 years ahead in order to know how to train personnel. He gave an example that a physics class can be opened in a secondary school if it is known that nuclear energy will develop and nuclear physicists will need to be trained. There are training programs, retraining, but they will not solve the issue radically, the minister believes.
Bulgaria is heading towards record low unemployment levels with accelerated rates of increase in the employment rate, said Deputy Minister of Labor and Social Policy Lazar Lazarov in response to a question about youth unemployment. Today, the National Employment Promotion Council adopted the Employment Action Plan for 2025, he announced. Additional new jobs will be provided, just over 7,000, Lazarov added. According to him, it is planned to acquire experience for specific jobs as well. The "Youth Internships" program for acquiring practical experience within up to six months of employment will be announced this year, after which the young person will have the opportunity to remain at work upon approval by the employer. We will diversify the measures, Lazarov said.
Training for acquiring digital skills is provided through the Employment Agency, Social Minister Gutsanov reminded.