Nikolay Vasilev criticizes Bulgaria’s 2026 Budget

Former Economy Minister Nikolay Vasilev has criticized the proposed 2026 Budget for Bulgaria, describing it as the country’s “most catastrophic” due to a massive deficit and a lack of structural reforms.

Vasilev argued against state intervention in market prices, specifically rejecting concepts such as “fair prices” and “care baskets,” which he characterized as “state communism” reminiscent of North Korea and Cuba. He maintained that rising costs in sectors like tourism and rentals are normal market behaviors and that the state should not interfere.

Regarding the adoption of the euro, Vasilev stated that the transition is not linked to Bulgaria’s inflation rates. He noted that the country remains one of the least expensive in the EU and suggested that inflation levels of 4-5% should not be a cause for alarm.