Commodity-monetary situation in Ukraine: living wage

2024 Author: Howard Calhoun | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 10:16

Starting from 2014, the standard of living in Ukraine has been falling sharply. The living wage approved by the government for 2016 clearly does not correspond to the amount of money needed to meet the most minimal needs of citizens.

About the living wage

per month, as well as a certain amount of non-food products and services for citizens. In Ukraine, the living wage today is less than 1,500 hryvnia.

That is, in the minimum consumer basket, contrary to the opinion of many, food is not given an exclusive place. Non-food items usually include clothes and utensils, electrical equipment. The central executive authorities set standards that simply humiliate the dignity of their own citizens. The set of services includes satisfaction by citizens of the most minimal needs in terms of providing living space, organizingsurrounding life (purchase of things), use of transport (payment for travel), the ability to visit educational and medical institutions, guarantees of compliance with social norms for the use of utilities (gas, water, heat, garbage disposal, etc.).

What is the cost of living in Ukraine?

Let's analyze the growth dynamics of PM in the state since 2010 (the time when President Viktor Yanukovych came to power). In the period from 2010 to 2012 inclusive, the minimum figure increased every year. This method of increasing the level of satisfaction of the minimum demands of citizens is characterized as a progressive and systematic development of the welfare of citizens.

For example, in 2010 the growth was 4 times (from UAH 825 to UAH 875). Note that 875 UAH. in the early 2010s were a pretty good amount. In 2011, the cost of living in Ukraine was also raised 4 times and rose to UAH 953 in a year. In 2012, the trend continued (the increase occurred 5 times to UAH 1095). 2013 brought some deterioration of the economic situation in the country. The minimum changed only twice and reached UAH 1176. During the four years of the rule of President Yanukovych, the price of the minimum subsistence basket increased by UAH 351. Of course, it was hard for people to exist on 1,176 hryvnias, but, in principle, the population was satisfied with such a subsistence level.

Ukraine did not change the value of the PM until August 31, 2015. It was during this period after the revolution that the mass impoverishment of the majority of the country's citizens took place.

What has changed in 2016year

The Law of Ukraine "On the state budget for 2016" provides for a gradual (started in August 2015) increase in the PM and bringing it in December 2016 to UAH 1496. The mistake of the economic bloc of the government is to violate the principle of gradualism.

Let's consider a breakdown of the minimum indicators for different categories of the population as of May 1, 2016. So, the total figure is 1399 UAH. The minimum needs of children under 6 years of age can be met for 1228 UAH, according to the government, children from 6 to 18 years old - for 1531 UAH, able-bodied persons - for 1450 UAH, and disabled people - for 1130 UAH, which even on medicines in some cases will not be enough.

This is the living wage in Ukraine today.