Bulgarian Finance Minister denies pension reform proposals

Galab Donev pension reform National Social Security Institute Bulgarian budget European Commission

Bulgarian Finance Minister Galab Donev has issued an official denial regarding allegations that the government proposed redirecting contributions from the second pension pillar to the National Social Security Institute (NSSI). Donev stated that no such proposal exists in the formal correspondence sent to the European Commission on November 2, 2026, nor in the draft state budget for 2027.

The controversy stems from claims by opposition members of Democratic Bulgaria, who presented a document they allege shows a plan to reduce the second pillar contribution from 5% to 2.5%, with the remaining 2.5% redirected to the NSSI to cover budget deficits. While opposition leaders, including Bozhidar Bozhanov and Ivaylo Mirchev, claim to have evidence of these discussions in internal EU communications, the Finance Ministry maintains that while various ideas are discussed during budget procedures, no final decision to implement such a reform has been made.

In addition to the pension dispute, Deputy Speaker Ivan Angelov noted that the government is preparing new compensation packages for businesses facing high electricity prices and for households using natural gas following recent price increases.

Entities

Bulgaria · Democratic Bulgaria · European Commission · Galab Donev · National Social Security Institute · Radan Kanev · Rumen Radev

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

[○ 1 SOURCE] The proposal would reduce the second pillar contribution from 5% to 2.5%. www.vesti.bg
[● 4 SOURCES] The proposal to redirect funds is not in the November 2, 2026, correspondence to the European Commission. www.iskra.bg · plovdivnews.bg · trafficnews.bg
[○ 1 SOURCE] The government is preparing compensation measures for businesses due to high electricity prices. fakti.bg
[● 4 SOURCES] Finance Minister Galab Donev denied proposing to redirect funds from the second pension pillar to the NSSI. www.iskra.bg · plovdivnews.bg · trafficnews.bg
[○ 1 SOURCE] The Energy and Water Regulatory Commission increased gas prices for November by 32.52%. fakti.bg
[● 2 SOURCES] Bozhidar Bozhanov presented a letter dated November 2 regarding pension fund redirection. fakti.bg · burgasmedia.com