The government of Janša is tackling the demographic crisis

The government led by Prime Minister Janez Janša has increased funding for family support and social security measures by 221.2 million euros, according to reports from the Ministry of Demographics, Family and Social Affairs. This increase brings total available funds to over 2.13 billion euros for the year, reflecting adjustments made due to higher-than-expected wage growth and rising operational costs. The additional resources aim to strengthen family policies and provide greater assistance to vulnerable groups. The ministry’s decision follows a proposal for a budget rebalancing approved in early September. The revised plan projects total revenues of 16.5 billion euros and expenditures of 18.8 billion euros, representing an overall increase of 6.2 percent compared to the previously approved budget. A deficit of approximately 2.2 billion euros, or 2.9 percent of GDP, is anticipated under this new framework. A significant portion of the additional funding will be allocated to personal assistance services, with an extra 64.2 million euros earmarked for these programs. Personal assistance helps individuals with disabilities maintain independence and participate more fully in society. The increase comes amid growing demand for such services, as transfers to individuals and households have risen by 10.3 percent compared to the previous year. Additional funds will also benefit socially vulnerable families and individuals, with 22.5 million euros more available for transfers. These payments ensure compliance with legal entitlements and reflect changes in eligibility criteria and transfer amounts. Slovenia has already adjusted several benefits, including child allowances, state scholarships, and other rights, to keep pace with inflation. Adjustments to disability pensions and care-related supplements are part of broader efforts to enhance social welfare. Special attention is given to families with children, with an additional 16.5 million euros allocated for child allowances. These payments are crucial for supporting families, as their amount depends on household income and the number of children. The system aims to reduce economic disparities among families and improve conditions for children. The ministry has also noted an increase in the use of non-transferable parental leave, which has prompted further investment in related support structures. Additional funding will be directed toward vocational and work centers, as well as institutional care facilities, with around 13 million euros more available for these purposes. This reflects ongoing efforts to address rising operational costs in public sectors. Metka Zevnik, co-founder of the party "Glas za družine in otroke," welcomed the measures aimed at easing life for families. She emphasized the importance of increasing support for child allowances, noting that living costs continue to rise. Zevnik also praised the expanded funding for care centers, highlighting the need for assistance for individuals unable to work independently. She called for the reinstatement of the Office for Demographics, which was abolished in 2022, arguing that it is essential for addressing demographic challenges. Prime Minister Janez Janša has long highlighted concerns about declining birth rates, noting that 20% of children in Slovenia were born to mothers who migrated from abroad in 2023. He warned that this percentage could approach 25% by 2025, emphasizing the risk of a shrinking population. His comments underscore the urgency of implementing effective family-friendly policies to encourage domestic births and sustain population growth.