Help for Fire Victims: Gutsanov Announces BGN 7500 and Support for Volunteers

Help for Fire Victims: Gutsanov Announces BGN 7500 and Support for Volunteers

Sofia - In response to the series of devastating fires that have affected the country in recent months, the government is expanding the scope of financial assistance for affected households. During a parliamentary session, Minister of Labor and Social Policy Borislav Gutsanov revealed up-to-date information on the number of submitted applications and approved payments.

Amidst tense discussions in the Labor and Social Policy Committee, Minister Gutsanov stated that a total of 60 applications for assistance have been received to date. Of these, more than 20 have already been approved, providing much-needed support to families whose homes and property have been affected by the fire. According to the minister, seven of the applications were rejected, which highlights the strict evaluation process for each individual case.

With a Decree of the Council of Ministers, we will be able to help with another three thousand leva, as well as another 2.5 thousand leva, he specified. This way, the total amount that households can receive reaches nearly 7.5 thousand leva, provided they meet certain criteria. This significant increase in aid is a key element in the government's strategy to deal with the aftermath of disasters and to ensure the rapid recovery of affected communities.

The minister emphasized the expansion of the financial package that will be provided to the victims. According to him, additional funds will be added to the initially determined amount of BGN 1914. "With a Decree of the Council of Ministers, we will be able to help with another three thousand leva, as well as another 2.5 thousand leva", he specified. This way, the total amount that households can receive reaches nearly 7.5 thousand leva, provided they meet certain criteria. This significant increase in aid is a key element in the government's strategy to deal with the aftermath of disasters and to ensure the rapid recovery of affected communities.

In parallel with direct aid to citizens, the ministry is launching a large-scale initiative aimed at strengthening local capacities for crisis response. Minister Gutsanov announced that an amount of BGN 14 million has been allocated to support mayors and municipalities. These funds are intended for the purchase of necessary equipment for volunteer units. The initiative aims to modernize and strengthen the network of volunteers who play a critical role in fighting fires and other disasters, and to ensure they have adequate resources to protect people's lives and property.

The actions of the Ministry of Labor and Social Policy are part of a broader government plan to address the damage from natural disasters and to build more resilient communities in the future.