Bulgaria's new government approves anti-poverty measures

(SOFIA) - Bulgaria's new Socialist-backed government on Wednesday announced a series of measures, including subsidies for heating bills and child allowances, to help the needy in the European Union's poorest country.

In a sign of solidarity, lawmakers also agreed to freeze their salaries.

Prime Minister Plamen Oresharski, who took office last week after massive protests led to the ouster of the previous government, said more people would be eligible next winter for vouchers to help pay rising electricity bills and the monthly allowance for women on maternity leave would be increased.

On taking office, Oresharski, a non-partisan former finance minister, pledged to tackle the economy of the country where about 22 percent of the population lives below the official poverty line and unemployment stands at nearly 12 percent.

According to a recent World Bank report, 61 percent of households in Bulgaria are energy poor and only 12 percent receive any heating aid.

The measures will cost the government a total of 26.9 million leva (13.7 million euros, $18 million).

Statistics show that 83 percent of Bulgaria's households -- or 6.1 million of the 7.4 million population -- live below the official minimum income of 566 leva (289 euros, $379).

Some 3.4 million people have to try to make ends meet with less than the minimum salary of 310 leva, according to data.