Two-thirds of the unemployed persons in Bulgaria are illiterate which makes it virtually impossible for them to find employment, according to Bulgarian Labor Minister Totyu Mladenov.

"The main reason for those being permanently unemployed is their low qualification and lack of education," Mladenov told Parliament Friday saying that 69% of the unemployed are illiterate, while 64% of them have only elementary education.

Mladenov said the unemployment rate in Bulgaria in March was 9.52%, down from 9.78% in January and February. He expects a further decline of the unemployment rate in the next six months.

The minister was severely criticized by the Bulgarian Socialist Party for the reduction of the amount of money poured into social and employment programs.

Mladenov retorted that BGN 64 M are slated for state employment programs in 2011 providing subsidized jobs for 8 500 people.

He told his predecessor – Socialist Emiliya Maslarova who is currently facing trial for abusing state funds in 2005-2009 – actually much more money are being invested in employment measures by the present Cabinet.