Bulgarian mothers rally for increased maternity benefits

Mothers from across Bulgaria staged coordinated protests on Thursday, beginning at 18:30 in front of the Council of Ministers in Sofia and spreading to cities such as Shumen, Yambol, Sliven, Veliko Tarnovo, Plovdiv, Pazardzhik, Pleven, Dobrich, Haskovo and Karlovo. They demand a raise in the second‑year child‑care allowance, which they say currently totals about €398 per month, to 70 % of the minimum wage – roughly €480 – and call for indexation of both the allowance and child bonuses to keep pace with rising living costs.

Organisers have sent letters with their demands to the president, the ombudsman and the prime minister, seeking a comprehensive package of measures for "dignified motherhood". Minister of Labour Natalija Efremova has expressed support for higher benefits but noted budget constraints for 2027. Protesters stress that the allowance has not been adjusted since 2014 despite significant price increases, leaving many families unable to cover basic expenses.