ZAGREB, Jan 29(Hina) - The government's motion for the re-introduction of three-year maternity leave for mothers of twins, and mothers of three or more children, was welcomed by parliamentary deputies from the ruling party as the
first step aimed at halting negative demographic trends, but it was criticised by opposition MPs as a conservative and partial measure.
ZAGREB, Jan 29(Hina) - The government's motion for the re-introduction
of three-year maternity leave for mothers of twins, and mothers of
three or more children, was welcomed by parliamentary deputies from
the ruling party as the first step aimed at halting negative
demographic trends, but it was criticised by opposition MPs as a
conservative and partial measure.#L#
During the parliamentary debate on the government's proposal on
Thursday afternoon, opposition deputies said this measure would not
stimulate the birth rate and could push women into an unfavourable
position on the labour market.
Social Democrats proposed the annulment of the limits to allowances
which mothers received during the first six months or first 12 months
of maternity leave.
Opposition MPs insisted on the elaboration of a comprehensive strategy
for raising the birth rate.
The Minister of Family Affairs, Jadranka Kosor, said the proposal for
the re-introduction of three-year maternity leave was not a social
welfare measure but something which should help solve the urgent
national problem in light of the fact that in 30 years' time Croatia
would lack labour force if this negative demographic trend continued.
(Hina) ms sb