Bulgarians want more for healthcare

published on 10/29/09 1:18 PM

Boriana Dimitrova, director of Alfa Research.

Photo: Dnevnik

Increase and better distribution of the means for healthcare, a mild reduction of the expenses for welfare and pensions and drastic cuts in the expenses for the administration – these are the expectations of the Bulgarians from Budget 2010 according to a survey of Alfa Research.

“How would you distribute expenses for 2010 if you were finance minister” – this is the main question that was in the survey, carried out at the request of the Ministry of Finance. It turned out that if it depended on them 67 per cent of our compatriots would increase the means for healthcare. Over 70 per cent consider that the means in this sector are not distributed properly. According to the poll every second Bulgarian is of the opinion that means for the order and security in society must be a priority in the budget. 41 per cent consider that more means should go for education. Another serious question according to the polled is the preservation of Bulgarian nature. One third of them think that more money should be used to improve environment. Again according to the survey the greater part of the Bulgarians consider that the state gives too much money for its not so efficient administration. And here is a curious and at first glance inexplicable fact from the survey: despite the economic crisis 63 per cent of the polled consider that there should be a mild reduction of the means for pensions and welfare.

“It would not be exaggerated if I say that for the first time the people understood that 34 per cent of the state budget goes for these sectors, says Boriana Dimitrova, director of Alfa Research. This however does not mean that they want to cut the low at present pensions of their parents and relatives. These people insist for a re-structuring of the budget so that means that go to ineffective social programmes are used for social programmes for overcoming unemployment. Their idea is the money to go to those who really need it. Another thing from the survey also draws attention. In comparison to most European countries where the problems with the order and security of society are more or less solved and the means go to the economic spheres, things in Bulgaria are not so. Judging from previous surveys of ours more and more Bulgarians are beginning to feel the lack of security. That is why they demand more effective measures in this sphere”.

As for concrete financial measures of the government 84 per cent of the polled are categorically for an increase of the tax for gambling. 40 per cent have nothing against such unpopular measures as higher taxes for cigarettes and strong alcohol. Does this mean that the Bulgarians are ready to tighten their belts in the conditions of a global crisis?

“Yes, I consider that if it is explained to the people and they understand that the means that are economized in this way will be used effectively, then they will be ready for some short-term sacrifices, says Boriana Dimitrova. If, however, the Bulgarian gets the least bit suspicious that the means are not used appropriately, then public opinion will turn 180 degrees. These people insist for more transparency and a far more optimal budget, where the money is spent appropriately”.

English version: Ivaila Bozhanova

По публикацията работи: Veneta Nikolova

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