Gutsanov: No increase in taxes and fees, focus on the young

Steps should not be taken to increase taxes and fees, as the financial situation of citizens is already difficult. This was stated by the Minister of Labor and Social Policy, Borislav Gutsanov, in the "Interview" program on Bulgarian National Television. His comment came in connection with discussions around the budget for the next year and the possible increase of taxes and social security contributions.

In case reforms are undertaken, they should be carefully considered, the minister pointed out. "An increase in tax drags along many other actions that need to be taken, so I do not consider that this is currently on the agenda, at least that is my opinion as a social minister", Gutsanov added.

According to him, the priority for next year should be the preservation of social peace. "We must continue in this way, as in the past year, to have no social unrest anywhere," he said. The minister added that the budget should be directed towards supporting young families. "Whether the budget should be conservative, I rather think we should direct it towards young families and this is my idea, and the idea of the team, said the social minister. In good relations with the Ministry of Finance, we are looking for a way to really make it a year for young people," Gutsanov noted.

The minister announced plans to increase financial support for families. One of the measures he proposed is for the one-time assistance of 300 leva, which is currently provided to students from first to fourth grade, to cover students up to eighth grade. "I hope we can find these funds," he added. Another proposal is to increase the allowances for the birth of the first, second and third child.

Currently, the allowance for raising a child during the second year is in the amount of 780 leva. The proposal of the ministry is to increase this allowance to 1100-1200 leva, depending on the financial possibilities of the budget, the minister pointed out. He also shared a proposal to increase the funds provided to mothers who decide to return to work, from 50% to 75% of the allowance.

Minister Gutsanov also revealed details about the talks held during his visit to New York for the 80th session of the UN General Assembly. He spoke with the Minister of Health, Silvia Kirilov, and with the Prime Minister, Rosen Zhelyazkov. Directions that can be improved were discussed, such as the work of the TEK (Medical Expert Committees). According to Gutsanov, the fact that about 800,000 Bulgarians have decisions from TEK raises a number of questions.

The minister also commented on the demographic crisis, emphasizing that it is something that should unite everyone in the efforts to overcome it. Gutsanov expressed his joy at the success of the Bulgarian national volleyball team at the Men's World Championship in the Philippines. "Today everything is volleyball and bravo to the guys, such joy has not happened to us for a long time. I hope that not only sport unites us, but that there is a national goal that unites us," said Borislav Gutsanov.

We remind you that during parliamentary control on September 12 this year, Minister Borislav Gutsanov warned of an upcoming process of intensive population decline in the age group between 40 and 64 years, if urgent measures are not taken. He cited the forecasts of the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences for the period 2030 – 2035.