Remember ME - You Me and Dementia

November 15, 2005

HUNGARY: Hundreds Protest Cuts in State Funds For Elders' Care

BUDAPEST (newsfromrussia.com), November 14, 2005: Hundreds of elderly and handicapped people gathered outside parliament in Hungary, protesting what they said were government plans to cut state funding for their care. More than 500 people took part in the rally during which they gave a petition with over 22,000 signatures to Social Affairs Minister Kinga Goncz. The petition said the quality of life of the elderly, handicapped people and others could deteriorate greatly if state funds used for their care were to be cut. Protesters said that despite a government pledge to increase aid for institutions caring for them, many could be forced to close down in 2006 because of insufficient funds. Goncz said the protest was unnecessary because the government had recently earmarked 5.5 billion forints (US$26 million) in extra funds in the 2006 state budget for institutions like homes for the elderly, for the mentally or physically handicapped and orphanages.

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