Bulgarian Ministry Boasts 28.2% Increase in Minimum Wage during GERB Govt Term

The minimum monthly wage in Bulgaria went up by 28.2% during the term in office of the outgoing center-right GERB government, according to reports of the Ministry of Labor and Social Policy.

The current minimum monthly wage in the country is BGN 310 and the net minimum wage (after deducting social security and health insurance contributions) stands at BGN 243, up by 29.3% compared to 2009, according to data of the Ministry of Labor and Social Policy, as cited by investor.bg.

The report says that the incomes of the lowest-paid workers went up by 30% during the term in office of the outgoing government.

According to the report, the average monthly wage increased by 29.3% in nominal terms and by 16.4% in real terms in the period between the third quarter of 2009 and the third quarter of 2012.

In the private sector, the average monthly wage increased by 36.8% in nominal terms and by 23.1% in real terms, while in the public sector the increase was by 13.3% in nominal terms and by 2% in real terms.

Bulgaria's Ministry of Labor and Social Policy further boasts a series of legal amendments in the field of labor law, the introduction of international labor standards in the sphere of labor and healthcare services for employees, and the modernization of the pension system.

The Labor Ministry also boasts the launch of a process to modernize employment services of labor offices.

The Ministry also reminds that the terms and procedures for the registration of companies offering temporary employment were regulated.

They also draw attention to the introduction of the EU Blue Card residence and work permit aimed at promoting the employment of foreigners with high qualifications in Bulgaria.

The Ministry also mentions the adoption of a new nationwide initiative aimed at boosting youth employment and updates to existing strategic documents on promoting active ageing, social inclusion, employment opportunities and career advancement for persons with disabilities, etc.

Bulgaria's center-right GERB government resigned on February 20 amid mass protests over high electricity and heating bills and low incomes.

Bulgarian President Rosen Plevneliev is to announce the panel of the caretaker government on Tuesday afternoon.

The early elections have been scheduled for May 12.