PM Denkov: Measures in the fight against demographic crisis are beginning to yield results

Measures to combat the demographic crisis are already starting to yield first results, Prime Minister Acad. Nikolai Denkov said during a meeting on the topic with MEP Sergei Stanishev, the press service of the Council of Ministers reported on October 31.

The last two regular governments launched a number of measures to provide better working conditions, higher wages and improve the reproductive health of Bulgarians. Low fertility, wages and migration are the three main causes of the demographic crisis in Bulgaria. This is according to a study commissioned by Stanishev, which he presented to the prime minister.

Among the measures taken is the increase of the minimum wage from BGN 650 in 2021 to BGN 933 from 1 January 2024. In order to help couples with reproductive problems, state funding for in vitro procedures was increased from BGN 5 000 to BGN 6 000 in this year's budget.

Funds for preventive health care have also been increased. The Ministry of Health is also developing a prevention calendar. In the field of education, activities are continuing under the national programme "Together in Arts and Sports", launched in 2022, thanks to which students play sports, develop creative activities and socialise.

The programme for the construction, extension, and reconstruction of nurseries, kindergartens and schools has been continued. A further 240 million will be allocated for the period 2024 to 2026 to provide sufficient places for all children in nurseries and kindergartens. The first results of these measures can be seen in the increase in the fertility rate (this is the average number of live births per woman of childbearing age) in the country. For the period 2013 - 2021, it increased smoothly from 1.48 to 1.58, and the National Statistical Institute's data from last year, 2022, shows a significant jump to 1.78. The fertility rate was lowest in 1997 at 1.09.

"Demographic policy should be among the top priorities. It could and should be the basis for developing the government's governance programme for the period after 2024," the prime minister said.

Stanishev justified the need for political consensus on demography. The prime minister proposed holding a national conference on demographic problems and their possible solutions early next year with the participation of representatives of all parties, social partners and MEPs.

"The search for solutions is a national task, not a partisan one," stressed Acad. Denkov.

Demography should be the new national goal for the country, the prime minister and Sergei Stanishev agreed. The MEP's proposals for additional measures include expansion of the National Maternal and Child Health Programme under the Ministry of Health with measures for comprehensive maternal and fetal care for pregnant women, the introduction of a National Preventive Care Programme for women and men in the 18-40 age group.

The idea of appointing a senior political figure with direct responsibility for the portfolio and coordinating the work of the Cabinet on this topic was also discussed.