Lithuanian Liberals to Discuss Unemployment, Benefits with Social Security Minister

Lithuanian liberal lawmakers are set to meet with the Minister of Social Security and Labor, Monika Navickienė, to tackle pressing issues surrounding unemployment and social benefits. A key focus of the discussion will be "unemployment traps" and the potential abuse of unemployment benefits, according to a statement from the liberal faction.

The lawmakers also intend to inquire about the government's demographic plan, specifically whether it includes expanding a service package for individuals raising children. This package was initially introduced by the liberals during a previous parliamentary term.

Furthermore, the meeting will address the future of social dialogue in Lithuania. This comes after the previous government rejected a proposal from the Tripartite Council, which comprises employer, employee, and government representatives. The council had recommended increasing the minimum monthly wage by 7.19% to 1,235.9 euros and raising the untaxed income amount by 4% to 777 euros. The government, however, opted for a more significant 8% increase in the minimum wage while leaving the untaxed income amount unchanged.