By: Romana Tomc, MEP SDS/ELS
As if the ruling coalition has not caused enough damage already, now the government is proposing an additional new contribution on salaries. This contribution will also be paid by retirees, which means that pensions will be lower. The service provider network is shrinking, bureaucracy is increasing, and Social Work Centres will be further burdened. Representatives of employers and trade unions are angry that the government is not listening to them, while representatives of social institutions complain that the ministry is not taking their expertise into account. The government hastily adopted the law, and it is expected to be fast-tracked through the National Assembly. Without thorough discussion, coalition MPs will push the button and vote for the law without hesitation, despite the strong and disapproving response it has received.
Minister Simon Maljevac’s statements are indecent and unworthy of a minister. They are an insult to all those who think for themselves. His evasiveness is a mild word for his appearances, which are full of clichés, nice words about caring for the elderly, promises to continue talking to stakeholders, and of course, resolving all open questions.
Unfortunately, the law is a significantly worsened and much more expensive version of the previous law prepared by the Janez Janša government.
The guiding principle of the previous government, which was preparing the law, was not to unnecessarily burden people with additional contributions. Therefore, part of the costs for long-term care should be covered by the healthcare contribution and part by the pension contribution. Both contributions are already being used to cover costs related to long-term care. Introducing a new contribution is therefore not advisable until we know exactly how much is needed. During this time, the difference would be covered from the budget. Since it involves a large amount of money, the budget would be relieved by also utilising European funds. Janez Janša’s government achieved this through negotiations with the European Commission, which was not easy.
Only later, after a few years of implementation, when the actual cost of comprehensive long-term care would be evident, a new contribution would be determined. This prepared law was also adopted, but Golob’s coalition, with the help of non-governmental organisations, did everything to prevent its enforcement. Let me remind you that one of the biggest critics of the law and activists was the non-governmental organisation Srebrna nit, which today is advocating for the introduction of euthanasia. The consequences of undermining a good law are here, time is lost, many are holding their heads in their hands, but there is no way back.
Today, the government is imposing a worse and more expensive offer of long-term care on the people. The fact that the proposal is heavily criticised by everyone, including those who opposed the previous law, speaks volumes about how bad it is. There will be fewer services available for more money. A new contribution is being introduced, but neither the pension nor the healthcare contributions are being reduced. European funds are lost because the government cannot fulfil its promises and implement reforms. However, the authorities seem undisturbed by this. Why should they be concerned when they can find excuses for their incompetence and shift the blame onto Janša’s government, claiming that it set overly ambitious goals? For them, that might be right.
We are in the middle of 2023, and the law will not come into full effect until 2026. By doing so, the ministry is signalling that there is no rush and that they will take their time to prepare all the necessary bureaucratic procedures. I hope that during this time, they will also find people who will provide services in the field, as there is a shortage of such professionals, and they are poorly paid. The ministry is not doing much in this regard, and this is the part of the long-term care system that should genuinely concern us.
Many people in need of assistance will go without care during these years when the ministry follows its timeline. Some may never receive the care they require, and personal tragedies will mark the lives of many families. Relatives will continue to take time off from work to care for their loved ones, and especially women will continue to burn out. Many individuals without family support will be neglected.
The sum of personal hardships paints a picture of Slovenian society as a whole, and it is not something we can be proud of. While millions of euros flow to non-governmental organisations behind the scenes, money, including from retirees, is being spent on recapitalising energy companies, rescuing tycoons, and adding new clauses to contracts for court suppliers. We are unable to take care of the most vulnerable and ensure people a dignified old age.
Certainly, those who have contributed the most to this situation will not run out of flowery words about compassion, solidarity, assistance, and the protection of women. They have a good and often heart-wrenching performance. That is why people find it harder to recognise their deceit. The government’s main goal is the “depoliticisation” of RTV Slovenia. With appropriate media reporting, even above-average inflation becomes acceptable, and people no longer demand higher pensions because they are convinced that they should be grateful their pensions will not be lowered. They will find excuses for bad laws and all the difficulties that will accompany the long-term care law. There is always an explanation for the increased prices in nursing homes, but there is never enough money to increase pensions.
While we listen to beautiful speeches and witness promises crumbling one after another, people will continue to patiently wait, wait, and wait…