site.btaSocial Minister Gutsanov: Swiss Pension Indexation Rule Remains Firmly in Place

The Swiss rule in the indexing of pensions will remain firmly in place, Labour and Social Policy Minister Borislav Gutsanov said on Tuesday in the village of Dobrodan, Lovech region.

"Since inflation is currently lower, there are different views of MPs from other parties to increase the inflation component, thus reducing the indexation rates, which should happen from the middle of this year. We strongly oppose that," Gutsanov said. In his words, the ratio of the two components should be kept as it is at the moment.

The minister added that there was no serious discussion on the issue among the partners in the ruling coalition at this stage. He expressed his hope of not having changes in that policy, since it is an important matter for BSP - United Left. Gutsanov added that the National Assembly's decisions on salary increases in various areas of the public sector - the Defence Ministry, teachers, the Interior Ministry - would not be changed and would be reflected in the budget.

On the topic of prices of basic food products, Gutsanov said that the position of BSP - United Left is that there should be a limitation on markups. Asked whether he supported public discontent over high prices in shops and the call not to shop on February 13, Gutsanov said, "I will not be in the big chains on the 13th."

In the village of Dobrodan, Gutsanov, joined by Troyan Mayor Donka Mihailova, officially opened a family-style care centre for adults with dementia.