site.btaPM Denkov, Bulgarian MEP Stanishev Discuss Measures against Demographic Crisis

At a meeting here on Tuesday, Prime Minister Nikolay Denkov and Bulgarian MEP Sergey Stanishev discussed measures to counter the demographic crisis. According to the Prime Minister, the measures are already bearing results, the Government Information Service reported. 

Stanishev briefed the Prime Minister about a survey, commissioned by him, according to which the low birth rates, the low pay and migration are the three main reasons for the demographic crisis in Bulgaria. 
The last two regular governments started a number of measures, which put in place better working conditions and better reproductive health of Bulgarians. Denkov presented specific data on the measures taken by his government. The approach should be systematic, he underscored. „The demographic policy should be among the top priorities. It could be a basis for the drafting of a governance programme after 2024,“ said the Prime Minister.   

Stanishev explained the need for a political consensus on demography. The Prime Minister proposed a national conference on demographic problems and their possible solution at the beginning of next year with representatives of all parties, social partners and MEPs. 

Demography will be the new national goal before the country, the Prime Minister and MEP Stanishev rallied around the idea. Among Stanishev’s proposals were expanding the National Maternal and Pediatric Health Programme, the introduction of national prevention programme for women and men aged 18-40. An idea was at issue to designate a coordinator with the cabinet for demographic issues.