Romanian President Hails Govt Decision On Child Rearing Benefits

Romanian President Traian Basescu said on public television late Wednesday the solution found by the Government for the issue of child rearing benefits and parental leave is good because it brings together all possible options.

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"First of all, it's flexible, and mothers can stay home for two years with the following conditions: monthly benefits of 600 to 3,400 lei (EUR1=RON4.3006) for the first year and nothing for the second year. Or, if the mother decides to go back to work during the first 12 months, she continues to get RON500 a month until the child is two," Basescu said, adding this measure encourages women to return to their jobs.

Romanian mothers also have a third option, namely to take maternity leave for two years and receive benefits between RON600 and RON1,200, depending on their income for the past year.

Basescu said the state is not fully responsible for children and mothers have their share of responsibility.

"I think all options have been offered and mothers will be able to make a choice," the president said, adding his own wife only stayed home for three months after giving birth to each of his tow daughters.

The head of state added the state would save RON100 million in 2011 and RON500 million in 2012 through the new child rearing benefit measures.

Prime Minister Emil Boc said after the Government's meeting Wednesday that mothers may opt for two years of leave and a child-rearing aid between RON600 and RON1,200. The alternative is one year's leave, up to RON3,400 child-rearing aid and RON500 per month if the mother chooses to return to work before the first year of leave is up, paid for the remainder of two years.

Mothers who return to work after more than one year's maternity leave will not receive the RON500 incentive.

Women already on maternity leave will not be affected by the changes.

Dozens of mothers protested Wednesday outside the Government building for two hours, demanding that authorities discard the measure halving the child rearing benefit period. Hundreds of mothers protested across the country as well.

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