Minister of Culture Heidy Purga wants to raise wages in the culture and sports sectors. According to the minister, the economic forecast shows that this is possible.
Purga says that the wages of cultural and sports workers are important to her. She wants people to feel valued. She speaks, for example, of coaches and leaders of song and dance festivals.
The last wage increase was in 2023. At that time, wages rose from €1,400 to €1,600. Coaches' salaries increased from €1,020 to €1,400. Purga now wants a new wage increase.
Purga also talks about the wage fund. The wage fund gives leaders the opportunity to pay more to those who need it. She says it is important to raise both the minimum wage and the wage fund.
Purga cannot yet say exactly how big the wage increase will be. This will become clear after September 11. She says the economic forecast shows a good opportunity for a wage increase.
According to the Ministry of Finance's forecast, inflation this year is 5.4%. Next year, it should fall to 3.5%. GDP growth will accelerate to 2.5% next year.