Labor Minister: Eliminating CASS for mothers and veterans is “a symbolic measure” and does not involve “a very large budgetary effort”
Florin Manole, Minister of Labour. Inquam Photos / George Calin
The Minister of Labor, Florin Manole, said on Monday, on Antena 3 CNN, that the elimination of the contribution to social health insurance (CASS) for mothers and veterans is “a symbolic measure” and that the emphasis should not be placed on its budgetary impact.
“It is a measure of moral reparation, because it does not involve a very large budgetary effort,” he said.
According to the minister, Romania needs a broader demographic policy, and returning to the CASS exemption is only a step in this direction.
“Romania needs a demographic policy. Just getting rid of CASS, that is, returning to a situation we had until the end of last year, is not enough, but it is still a step forward. Instead of going in the right direction, that of having a demographic policy that all of Europe feels the need for, we went a little in the wrong direction. It is about more than 140,000 beneficiaries, mostly mothers, who would be exempted. So, from March, if we we could still sit in the previous margin.
There were many measures taken with the PSD at the table, but at the same time we said publicly, in press conferences and in debates, through the voice of the party president, ministers or many other members, what we do not agree with, for example CASS on pensions,” said Manole.
Florin Manole reiterated that the proposed measure has a symbolic character and not a budgetary one.
“We won the cause, other times we didn't win the cause, but we are still a left-wing party between three right-wing parties. It is a symbolic measure, it is not about a budgetary impact. In the sense of gratitude for some people who sacrificed themselves, fortunately not at the cost of their lives, but still with some repercussions for this country. It is, once again, a measure of moral reparation, because it does not involve a very large budgetary effort,” he said.
The PSD proposes to eliminate the contribution to social health insurance (CASS) for mothers, for war veterans and for beneficiaries of the minimum income of inclusion.
