Mila Carovska, the President of MAPP, opened the debate by underlining the commitment of MAPP to see adequate minimum income introduced and implemented in FYROM. Christian Georgievski, Program director of NDI, briefly explained the project and the reason for supporting the initiative.
Sian Jones, Policy coordinator of EAPN, shared positive experiences on the introduction of adequate minimum income in EU Member States and stressed that this is a basic human right and that has helped reducing poverty in all countries where it was enforced.
Mrs. Mimoza Vujoshevic presented the results of the analysis of indicators and survey for adequate minimum income in the country. Over 33% of the participants in the survey are unemployed and live without any monthly income. Unemployment, the low minimum wage set by law, the low amount of social assistance and the high level of social exclusion of these persons are the main indicators of poverty according to the citizens’ opinions given in the focus groups, according to the needs of the participants defined as a prerequisite for a dignified life, it raised the level of monthly minimum required funds as follows:
1. 10,000 – 20,000(150-300euro) for single person
2.20,000 – 30,000(300-500euro) for family without children or with one child,
3.40,000 – 60,000(650-1000euro) for a family with 2 or more children,
and highlighting the main indicators of the decent life according to the priority level of the Republic of Macedonia:
- Costs for electricity, water, heating;
- Food;
- Education;
- Clothing and footwear;
- Treatment;
- Social and cultural life;
An open discussion followed the presentation of the survey.
The event was attended by 45 participants.
The event was organized by the Macedonian Anti-Poverty Platform, in cooperation with the National Democratic Institute for International Affairs (NDI).
Press in the media.
Video: http://youtu.be/GxVZKe2NfN0
