Latvia: 64 euros a month is too little
Latvia's Constitutional Court has ruled that the current minimum state social security benefit of 64 euros does not comply with the country's constitution. Now politicians have until 1 January 2021 to make the corresponding adjustments. But the press doubts that this ruling by the highest court will bring decisive changes for the poorest groups in Latvian society.
A matter of survival
Diena says the increase is overdue:
“It's clear to everyone that 64 euros a month is far too little - not only to lead a decent life, but in many cases simply to survive. ... Of course, we will also hear counter-arguments when the matter comes before parliament. One of them is that if people are automatically paid enough to live normally, no one will go to work. But that will only be the case if the tax system creates the incentive of making it cheaper to earn less rather than more.”
Well-fed politicians unsympathetic
Despite the court's decision Neatkarīgā doesn't expect any real improvement in the situation:
“The guaranteed minimum income will be reviewed. A little. It will certainly be increased by a few euros, but it will still not comply with the constitution. The situation could change if our 'big brothers' from the European Commission or the OSCE were to address the problem. ... There is little hope that the well-fed members of parliament will show any understanding for the hungry people who are to receive the guaranteed minimum income. Most likely they will fight tooth and nail against any increase.”