education (11%). Gender separation indicates, in the female case, a higher proportion with higher habilitation (50%). Dividing into three categories the universe of respondents over 30, the proportion of those who hold higher education almost doubles in those under 39 years compared to those who are over 60 years of age. The proportion of those who declared that they did not have any qualification or only the first cycle of basic education was of 2,7% in the first group and 25,2% in the second, that is, almost tenfold. Concerning the declared socio-professional situation, the percentage of those who stated that they are unemployed (15%) are uniquely uniform. The proportion of retired respondents continued to decline slightly (one percentage point in each of the last two years). Finally, 21% of the respondents indicated that they are active in the public sector. 1.2. Promotion and protection of fundamental rights 1.2.1. Environmental, urban planning and cultural rights Complaints and ex officio investigations In 2016, 885 new cases were opened concerning environmental, urban planning and cultural rights, a significant increase (+20%) compared with the previous year. To some extent, this increase is due to the fact that this thematic unit is now also responsible for examining complaints regarding the provision of public services (utilities), such as electricity, gas, water and telecommunications. On this subject only, 235 complaints were received, representing 27% of the total proceedings opened in this unit in 2016. That means that there is a general public concern on the quality of the public services, but also that the consumers are not sufficiently protected by national or Community law. It should also be pointed out that consumers call for urgent action from the Ombudsman as these legal issues are marked by the absolute need of the good or services provided (water, electricity, gas and electronic communications). Categories of complaints Complaints about urbanization, that include private construction works, use of buildings and facilities, urban lootings, electricity, water and sewage piping projects and urban rehabilitation, totaled 13% of the complaints (119 in 885). 32 |