site.btaReformists, Finance and Social Minister Fail to Agree on Revisions to Social Insurance Code

Reformists, Finance and Social Minister Fail to Agree on Revisions to Social Insurance Code

Sofia, July 14 (BTA) - At this stage, and with a view to preserving the second pillar, the Reformist Bloc is suggesting that the right of choice between the universal fund and the National Social Security Institute (NSSI) be valid for the persons born between 1960 and 1970. In the future, after the return of the funds is reconsidered and the regulations related to them are changed, the question of increasing the age group may be reconsidered, Reformist Bloc Chairman Radan Kunev told journalists after emerging from a meeting with Social Minister Ivailo Kalfin and Finance Minister Vladislav Goranov in the National Assembly. He said that contradictions with the Finance Minister were more definitive.

The Bloc also wants that the final choice of fund be made not five years before retirement age is reached, but one year before that.

Kunev also said the Bloc wants a reduction of the NSSI pension for the people who have insured themselves in the universal fund: to date the law provides that they receive approximately 28 per cent less as insured at the universal funds. This percentage should approach 15, the Reformist Bloc says.

The pension reform is important in itself and there is no connection between that in return for supporting the judicial reform.

The Reformists are disappointed by the fact that agreement has not been reached on any such text, which makes their support for second reading Social Insurance Code amendments questionable. Nevertheless, he did not say his group would not vote some of the amendments.

Goranov commented that the will of the government is expressed in the bill tabled - and voted - at first reading. He finds some of the Bloc proposals acceptable while the government remains firm about others it has suggested.

Social Minister Ivailo Kalfin, in turn, admitted that it will be impossible to convince all MPs. Nevertheless, he remains hopeful the necessary votes will be collected.