Budget, Demography, Financial Services, Latvia, Legislation

These problems will be considered by the Demographic Affairs Council, which will analyze three areas: improving access to kindergartens, prolonging the payment of maternity benefits to 1.5 years, upgrades to the reproductive health program, explained Dombvrovskis.

Imants Paradnieks of All For Latvia!-For Fatherland And Freedom/LNNK said that a decision was taken in principle yesterday that the Welfare Ministry and Finance Ministry would have to present reports by August 13 how these problems "could be solved successfully and addressed by the 2013 state budget", writes LETA.

Foreign Minister Edgars Rinkevics (Reform Party) said that the Reform Party supported these initiatives too, however, they should be commensurate with budget possibilities. Also, the benefits must be socially fair to prevent the situation where people who receive large salaries are also entitled to large maternity or paternity benefits, while others receive benefits under the minimum amount.