site.btaBSP - United Left Insists on Christmas Supplements for Pensioners

The Bulgarian Socialist Party (BSP) - United Left insists on the payment of Christmas supplements to Bulgarian pensioners, according to a statement sent to the media by the political party on Tuesday.

On the eve of the most joyous holidays, the state has a duty to show respect and solidarity towards the people who built modern Bulgaria, the statement reads. 

Over two million pensioners in Bulgaria live on limited incomes, which is why the government, with the active participation of the Bulgarian Socialist Party (BSP) – United Left, is continuing its efforts to ease the pressure of inflation and rising prices of basic goods and services. The Christmas supplement is not charity, but a gesture of respect and support, the political party says. 

"We propose that funds be allocated for a one-time Christmas supplement to pensions in December. This is a timely and fully justified measure in support of the elderly. Bulgarian pensioners deserve a decent life, a warm home, and security," the statement said.

"We also support the initiative to permanently regulate Christmas and Easter supplements in law – as an expression of state care and social solidarity, which should not depend on the current political situation. This is a necessary step towards a sustainable and decent attitude towards the oldest members of our society," the BSP-United Left said.

Government officials, including the Chair of the parliamentary Committee on Social Policy, Denitsa Sacheva, have said earlier that no money is available for Christmas supplements. Then Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov said that there will be supplements if the money is secured for that. Finally, earlier on Tuesday MRF - New Beginning leader Delyan Peevski urged the power-holders to make sure pensioners get Christmas supplements.