Bulgarian state administrative and personnel reforms

The Bulgarian government has introduced a series of administrative and structural reforms aimed at streamlining state operations.

Initially, Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Pulev announced initiatives to reduce business bureaucracy through digitalization, shorter administrative deadlines, and the implementation of a ‘silent consent’ principle. These measures were intended to create a more predictable environment for employers by reducing required documentation and improving the interoperability of state registries.

Following these efforts to modernize procedures, the government has moved toward significant personnel cost reductions. A plan to cut state personnel costs by 10% is expected to eliminate approximately 500 positions. While some agencies are addressing this by closing vacant roles, others face major restructuring. For instance, the Ministry of Environment and Water proposes consolidating 15 regional inspections into four structures. Additionally, the healthcare sector faces cuts of 440 positions, including 200 from emergency medical assistance centers, raising concerns about staffing shortages.