Aid for Flood Victims: Decision by the Council of Ministers

At today's meeting of the Council of Ministers, a decision was made to provide assistance to those affected by the floods, announced the Minister of Labor and Social Policy, Borislav Gutsanov, at a subsequent briefing. The decision comes against the backdrop of the difficult situation in which the people affected by the disaster find themselves, and the government is striving to offer support in this difficult moment.

Minister Gutsanov specified the concrete support measures that will be taken. "3,000 BGN will be given as additional support for the families affected by the floods," he said. However, this aid is linked to certain conditions. The dwelling of the affected family must be legally built and represent their only dwelling. In addition to these 3,000 BGN, an additional sum of 1914 BGN is planned, which means a total aid of nearly 5,000 BGN. In addition, families will be able to apply for another 2,500 BGN for damaged household goods, including televisions, washing machines, and stoves. The total aid that an affected family can receive amounts to 7,500 BGN. The funds will be allocated from the budget of the Ministry of Labor and Social Policy, the minister pointed out.

Minister Gutsanov emphasized that although the amounts released are not significant, they represent the maximum financial possibility of the ministry at the moment.

Everyone who meets the specified criteria has the opportunity to apply for this financial assistance immediately. The payment of the funds will also begin immediately after the necessary documentation is prepared, the minister explained.

At the next meeting of the Council of Ministers, support for the families of those who died in the floods will also be considered and proposed. According to preliminary data, the amount for the families of the deceased will be 15,000 BGN, it became clear from the minister's statements.

"We understand that grief cannot be extinguished with money, but at least they can see that the state stands behind these families," Gutsanov added. He also informed that work is underway on a program for unemployed citizens, which will include cleaning ditches, securing sites, and other activities.

At today's meeting of the Council of Ministers, Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov expressed his and the entire government's condolences to the family of Stefan Ivanov, an employee of the "Border Police", who died in the flood in Elenite, as well as to all who lost their lives in the disaster. The mood in the hall of the Council of Ministers, as one might assume, was depressing.