Bulgaria's 2026 state budget passes first parliamentary reading

The Bulgarian National Assembly approved the 2026 state budget on first reading with 143 votes in favour and 81 against, and no abstentions. Support came from the governing coalition led by Progressive Bulgaria and DPS, while the opposition bloc GERB‑SDS, Democratic Bulgaria, Continue the Change and Revival voted against it.

The budget projects a deficit of 5.7% of GDP and forecasts debt to rise above 30% of GDP by year‑end. Economic growth is expected at 2.8% and inflation at 3.5%. Finance Minister Galab Donov described the plan as "bold but not reckless", highlighting a 5% increase in public‑sector wages, a minimum wage set at 620 euros, higher tobacco excise, a 30% rise in road‑use fees and an increase in the maximum social security ceiling to €2,300.

Opposition critics argue the budget lacks structural reforms and will be difficult to sustain beyond the next five months.