The Minister of Social Policy Borislav Gutsanov announced a large-scale transformation of the social system during a national conference in Stara Zagora. The key highlights include a comprehensive renovation of 81 social institutions with a capacity for 5,600 people and the creation of 254 new social services.
As part of an unprecedented system cleanup campaign, 12 illegal social homes were uncovered, from which 400 people in extremely poor condition were removed. Gutsanov emphasized that the state is showing real willingness for the first time to take serious action against unregulated social facilities.
The proposed legislative changes provide for the introduction of strict financial sanctions for violators. For non-compliance with the rights of placed individuals, fines of up to 25,000 leva are envisaged, and for providing services without the necessary license - up to 30,000 leva. These measures aim to guarantee the quality and legality of social care.
In implementation of the "BSP-United Left" program, significant steps were taken to improve the well-being of vulnerable groups. From July 1, over two million pensioners received an increase of 8.6 percent through the introduction of the so-called "Swiss rule", which exceeds the initially planned 5 percent.
Other social improvements include raising the monthly heating assistance to 606.71 leva for the winter period - an increase of 9.6 percent, and a planned increase in funds for mothers raising children during their second year to 1,100-1,200 leva.
The Ministry intends to invest nearly 800 million leva from the Recovery and Sustainability Plan in the social sphere, demonstrating a serious commitment to systemic reforms and support for those in need.