Bulgaria parliament moves forward with sweeping audits of 2020‑2026 state finances and 2026 budget

The opposition party Progressive Bulgaria has submitted three resolution projects to the National Assembly to task the Court of Auditors with comprehensive audits covering the period 2020‑2026. The audits will examine the consolidated fiscal programme of the Ministry of Finance, the budget of the National Social Security (DOO) and the financial management of the Road Infrastructure Agency, aiming to assess pension spending, public‑sector costs and alleged hidden deficits.

Finance Minister Galab Donev presented the draft 2026 state budget, noting a projected deficit of 5.7 % of GDP (about €7.2 billion) and a public‑debt outlook that could exceed €10 billion by year‑end. He stressed the need for fiscal stabilisation as a prerequisite for the 2027 budget and responded to criticism by pledging realism, accountability and dialogue with social partners.

Progressive Bulgaria deputies Konstantin Prodanov and Stefan Belchev argued that a full fiscal inventory is essential, stating “the first step is to bring these practices to light” and warning that salaries in public enterprises and board members “exceed the combined earnings of the prime minister and president”. The party says the audits will provide a transparent basis for tighter fiscal discipline and forthcoming reforms.