Government offers far less than requested for special care

The government has agreed to provide up to €37 million over four years for the social and health sectors, far below the €200 million requested for special care, ERR reported.

The Ministry of Social Affairs had sought the additional funding to create new special-care places and raise wages at special care homes. The €37 million is not reserved solely for special care; it could also fund nursing practice placements, residency capacity and digital health projects.

Social Affairs Minister Karmen Joller said parliament would decide how the funding is divided among social and health priorities. She said she wanted to discuss the priorities with other parties, including the opposition.

Prime Minister Kristen Michal said the budget was in deficit and that many sectors had received no extra funding or faced cuts. Special care was among the few areas to receive additional money, he said.

Maarja Krais-Leosk, head of the Chamber of Disabled People, said the planned sum fell short of expectations but welcomed the possibility of up to €37 million in additional funding. She said efforts by politicians had contributed to the decision.