site.btaSocial Policy Minister Reports 24 Assistance Requests from Fire Victims

Minister of Labour and Social Policy Borislav Gutsanov, quoted by his Ministry's press service on Sunday, said that people affected by fires have already submitted 24 applications for assistance. Specialists from the Social Assistance Agency are on site and are helping people submit their applications.

Gutsanov said that those affected by the fires can get up to BGN 7,500 from the Social Policy Ministry alone, after the Council of Ministers made an emergency decision on Wednesday. Municipalities, for their part, can turn to the Interdepartmental Commission for Reconstruction and Support, and farmers can reach out to the Ministry of Agriculture.

A total of 118 fires were extinguished across the country over the past 24 hours, with one person injured, according to the Fire Safety and Civil Protection General Directorate. Thirteen fires in the country caused direct material damage. Firefighters responded to 149 emergency calls.

Gutsanov reported: "Inspections of nursing homes have not been completed and are continuing. To date, 550 inspections have been carried out, 12 illegal homes have been shut down, and 400 people have been placed in normal conditions." He said that all 81 state-funded nursing homes are being renovated, and 254 new social services are being prepared. To perform these services, funds have been secured for the purchase of electric vehicles with charging stations.

According to the Minister, the biggest problem today is the demographic crisis. Part of the solution is to ensure a dignified living for the elderly. The government is also working on measures to bring back Bulgarians and people with Bulgarian identity from abroad.

Work is also underway to provide better support for young families by increasing the one-time childbirth benefit. Gutsanov said: "We are currently in talks to increase maternity benefits in the second year. My view is that the amount should be around BGN 1,200." 

Commenting on ombudsman Velislava Delcheva's report of severe violence against children in the Hristo Botev boarding school in the village of Varnentsi, the Minister said that an investigation into the case was launched on July 21. He said that children will be interviewed and added that the boarding school is under the authority of the Ministry of Education, which will take measures if necessary.