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Tens Of Romanian Mothers Protest At Govt HQ Over Child Rearing Benefit Measures

Tens of Romanian mothers protest Wednesday outside the Government, calling on authorities to renounce the measure halving the child rearing benefit period.
Tens Of Romanian Mothers Protest At Govt HQ Over Child Rearing Benefit Measures
Ioana Tudor
08 dec. 2010, 12:46, English

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

Mother association president Ana Mihaita said protesters also reject authorities’ decision to cap the child-rearing benefit at 3.400 lei (EUR1=RON4.3006) in 2011.

Mihaita said that, starting January 1, 2011, the child-rearing aid cap should be set at RON4,000 per month, as the Government promised in July.

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.