Europe. Welfare Ministry requests EUR 54 million for welfare priorities in Latvia
Among the ministry’s priorities are different initiatives, including the increase of minimal pensions, improvement of the pension indexation mechanism, state support for the poor who have disabled children, and others.
This will require EUR 27.5 million, for which the minister is prepared to fight.
According to the minister, there are many different needs, including Latvia’s Castle of Light and the expensive bridge. There is also the need for an acoustic concert hall in Riga. Nevertheless, Petraviča believes a situation when pensioners have to survive with EUR 64 a month just because officials want bigger wages is unacceptable.
The minister notes that a conceptual agreement has been reached with municipalities in regards to raising GMI level next year from EUR 53 to EUR 64. On top of that, if minimal pensions and social insurance benefits are increased next year, it may be possible to increase GMI to EUR 99 a year after, said the minister.
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