Despite being in a caretaker role, Albin Kurti’s government continues to make decisions. On Thursday, Prime Minister Kurti himself announced several new measures, which he described as good news from good governance. One of them is the increase in financial assistance for unemployed new mothers.

“Today, in the 261st meeting of the Government, we will approve the increase of monthly maternity benefits from €170 to €325.9, which corresponds to the new net minimum wage. So, starting this month, all new mothers will receive €325.9 per month. This marks a 91.7% increase, nearly doubling the previous amount. Over six (6) months, the increased support amounts to €1,955.4. When you add the monthly child allowance of at least €20, or €120 over six months, the total support for each new mother amounts to €2,075.4,” said Prime Minister Kurti.

This decision also affects employed mothers.

“In addition, today we will approve the new reference average salary, which is used to calculate the government’s contribution of 50% of the average salary for three (3) months – this is the government’s obligation for every employed mother. In addition to the 70% salary paid for six months by the employer, employed mothers will now receive government support for the remaining three months in the amount of €319.5 – which is 50% of the average salary. Compared to the current level of €223, this new support represents an increase of 43.3%,” Kurti added.

As a third positive development, Kurti also announced a second salary increase for civil servants of €55, starting in July. The first increase has already been in effect since January of this year.