site.btaPensions of Military Invalids and War Victims Below Poverty Line

The pensions of military invalids and war victims are below the poverty line, said the Chairman of the Union of Military Invalids and War Victims (UMIWV), Petar Velchev, at a BTA-hosted news conference here on Wednesday. The event was held in connection with the 108th anniversary of the establishment of the oldest organization of people with disabilities: UMIWV in Bulgaria.

The organization was established in 1915 under the auspices of King Ferdinand I and thanks to Queen Eleonore, Velchev explained. 

Military invalids and war victims with a percentage of disability between 50% and 70% receive BGN 284, between 70% to 90% - BGN 345, and over 90% - BGN 370. Velchev stressed that those amounts are below the poverty line. It was pointed out that a total of 3,080 military invalids and war victims are members of the Union.

This year marks the 110th anniversary of the Balkan War and the establishment of the first organization for military invalids, Velchev reminded. He said that the first law supporting the military invalids and war victims was introduced in 1915. The organization was disbanded by a decision of the Central Committee of the Communist Party in 1950 and restored in 1990. UMIWV's motto is "Everything for Bulgaria". The UMIWV Chairman insisted on the restoration of conscription. "Our organization firmly remains on the position to restore, and not abolish, conscription," he stated.

The Union has prepared a letter of address to the candidates for the 49th National Assembly. They hope legislative changes to be adopted to ensure a more dignified life for the military invalids and victims in Bulgaria.