Lithuanian minister: People's well-being is never too expensive, even amid demographic concerns

Investing in people's well-being, even with associated costs, is a worthwhile endeavor, according to Lithuanian Minister I. Ruginienė.

"Every social guarantee we offer to employees and families comes at a cost, but I believe people's well-being is never too expensive," Ruginienė told reporters after a meeting with the Homeland Union – Lithuanian Christian Democrats faction.

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Every social guarantee we offer to employees and families comes at a cost, but I believe people's well-being is never too expensive.

She stressed that any additional expenditures must be evaluated within the context of Lithuania's demographic challenges. "If we are talking about critical demographic indicators, it's a signal for us that we need to invest more in [birth rates]," the minister stated.

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If we are talking about critical demographic indicators, it's a signal for us that we need to invest more in [birth rates].

Ruginienė clarified that the current discussions are not about a separate decision to increase universal child benefits, often referred to as "child money." These benefits are already indexed, she explained, and the possibility of higher payments is being considered specifically for the period of parental leave.

While the minister did not specify the exact amount of additional state budget funds required for these potential changes, the government has identified demographic challenges and encouraging childbirth as key priorities. Financial measures are expected to be allocated to address these issues.

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Child benefits are indexed quite rapidly, but we are talking about higher benefits during parental leave.