Bulgarian Mothers in 'Diaper' Rally against Gov Social Policy

Mothers rallied Monday in downtown Sofia, near the building of the Parliament, in protest against social policies of the GERB government. Photo by BGNES

Bulgarian mothers across the country took their babies and toddlers Monday to protest rallies against the Cabinet's social policy.

Mothers in the capital Sofia and 20 other cities in Bulgaria gathered in a "Protest of the Diapers," and joined around demands to tie the State assistance for those having children 2 years of age and younger with the minimum monthly wage, to secure enough room in nurseries and day care centers, to introduce family income taxation, alleviated loan conditions for families with children under 18, and flexible work hours for mothers with young children.

They say the above measures will encourage middle class parents, who work and pay taxes, in having more children, and will help solve the serious demographic crisis in the country.

Those who attended the rally in downtown Sofia, near the building of the Parliament, were disappointed that only about 100 mothers came, despite the overwhelming support in social networks.

The meeting is not political, according to organizers, even though it was prompted by policies of Finance Minister, Simeon Djankov, particularly the change which untied assistance for mothers from increases in the minimum monthly wage, which are pending in the country.

The mothers threaten to continue "stroller" protest if their demands remain unheard.

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