Interim Minister of Labour and Social Policy Frosina Tashevska – Remenski in an interview with the civil association “Civil” raised the question of how real is the rate unemployment, and has unemployment really decreased, as there is a difference in the numbers in the state institutions.
“We face a big dilemma in terms of numbers, especially considering that the Fund for Pension and Disability Insurance (PIOM) for 2014, showed that 536 191 people were employed, while the State Bureau of Statistics (DZC) showed that there were 696,000 people employed! It remains unclear, where were 160 000 people lost in one year? That is, for that difference of 160,000 , are contributions being paid to the Fund or not? Remenski said.
The Minister in the interview referred to the manipulation of the beneficiaries on social welfare and people from social vulnerable groups.
“Numerous reports note the specific abuse of officials, particularly in the area of elections, when they go door to door with a list, and then they threaten to take away peoples right to social assistance, unless they will vote for the ruling party. Any abuse during this period, especially before elections, extortion at election time, or intimidation will be severely sanctioned. Anyone caught in such actions will be dealt with harshly with the law and prison sentences”, said Remenski.
She urged all welfare recipients to report any threats or intimidation.
