Social programs

Preliminary data from the National Statistical Institute reveals a decrease in the number of residential buildings and dwellings constructed in Bulgaria during the July-September period. A total of 1,239 buildings were completed, housing 5,085 new dwellings, marking a decrease of 7.3% in buildings and a 14.4% drop in dwellings compared to the same quarter in 2022.

A pilot program to transfer unemployed workers to areas they are needed during winter will be introduced by DYPA, the Greek employment agency, Labor and Social Insurance Minister Adonis Georgiadis said on Open TV on Monday.

A new public housing development in Ljubljana called Rakova Jelša II has been officially opened. The EUR 22.5 million project includes five apartment buildings with 156 non-profit rental flats and a stand-alone multi-purpose building with community facilities.

Reflecting on Labor Day on Monday State Minister and government spokesman Akis Skertsos presented the work of the government and, ahead of the upcoming elections in May, presented its program of four points that will improve the labor market.

The measures introduced by the government to support incomes were significant, however, they could make up for the high cost incurred by employers due to social security contributions.

The new minimum wage of €780 a month has come into force as of April 1, after an increase of 9.4% on the previous level.

Accordingly, the minimum daily wage has also gone up, to €34.84, an increase of €5.80 on its February 2019 rate.

Payments of productivity bonuses have started for civil servants who have achieved the goals set by government ministries for 2022. The beneficiaries are employees of the Ministry of Finance and other financial services of the state.

As part of its efforts to address the growing problems regarding property prices and rents, the government considers launching a new project to build houses for middle and upper-middle income groups.

Emlak Konut Real Estate Investment Company will coordinate the project, but private developers will also take part in the scheme.

Interest-free loans, subsidies and state aid are expected to be included in the government's new housing policy program, which is to be announced by Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis at the opening of the Thessaloniki International Fair - TIF.

State-owned companies are the largest net beneficiaries so far under the anti-crisis measure to preserve employment, which has gained popularity as 60/40, according to an analysis of national statistical data.