Romanian Fin Min, Labor Min, PM Meet For Talks On Child Rearing Benefits

Tens of Romanian mothers protest Wednesday outside the Government, calling on authorities to renounce the measure halving the child rearing benefit period.

Protesters said they do not agree with this extra austerity measure targeting children, considering that child-rearing benefits were cut by 15% in mid-2010, following the decision of the Government to implement a harsh austerity plan.

Prime Minister Emil Boc announced Monday evening that child-rearing aid will be provided for one year as of 2011, instead of the current two-year period, but in the same amount, a change that will not apply to current beneficiaries.

The value of the aid will therefore remain between RON600 and RON3,400. Future mothers will be allowed to spend a second year on maternity leave, but without payment, and will receive a RON500 bonus if they return to work at any time during the second year.

Mothers already on leave will continue to receive the current form of aid, for both years.

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