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280 clusters · 174 sources · 84 days · First seen 3 months ago · Last updated about 16 hours ago

Categories: POLITICS · BUSINESS · HEALTH · TECHNOLOGY

Bulgaria 2026 budget deficit and social reforms

Entities: National Statistical Institute · Asen Vasilev · Boyko Borisov · Bulgarian Government · Constitutional Court of Bulgaria

Overview

Finance Minister Galab Donev confirmed the 2026 primary‑deficit target of 5.7 % of GDP, the highest in two decades, with total public debt expected to surpass €10 bn. The state, social‑insurance and health‑insurance budgets project €49.6 bn in revenues against €56.8 bn in spending. On 22 July the National Assembly approved the 2026 state budget after more than 12 hours of debate, foreseeing a primary deficit of about €7.2 bn and new borrowing of up to €10.1 bn. The Budget and Finance Committee kept the 5.7 % target while the coalition announced a 7.8 % pension increase, 5 % public‑sector salary rise, a 12.6 % minimum‑wage hike to €620 and expanded child‑benefit eligibility. Social‑security reforms now let people purchase missing pension periods, and insurance thresholds were lifted. Industrial association chair Vasyl Velev criticised the budget for limited reforms, noting the tax‑social‑security model remains unchanged but highlighting a 10 % cost‑cut in several ministries, a higher gambling tax expected to raise over 100 million lev, and measures to curb abuses of social funds that could save about 200 million lev. He cited additional forecasts of roughly 200 million lev from new taxes and 100 million lev from social‑security contributions, while warning that the deficit stays at 7.2 billion lev and national debt keeps climbing. Labour and Social Policy Minister Natalia Efremova announced a reform to increase the state maternity benefit for mothers who return to work early in the second year of leave from 50 % to 75 % of the calculated entitlement, raising the monthly payment to about €398.81. The change aims to improve family financial stability, stimulate earlier labour‑market participation, address staff shortages and curb informal employment, and will be part of a broader family‑support package discussed for the next state budget.

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how well corroborated each claim is across sources.

[● 4 SOURCES] Bulgaria’s annual inflation rate in June 2023 was 5.4% and monthly inflation was –0.9%. (National Statistical Institute)
[● 4 SOURCES] Prices for hotels, restaurants and accommodation services in Bulgaria have risen between 20% and 30% over the past two and a half years. (National Statistical Institute)
[● 4 SOURCES] Prices for services such as hairdressers, personal care, repairs and training have increased by about 20% annually in Bulgaria. (National Statistical Institute)
[● 4 SOURCES] Average wages in Bulgaria grew by about 13% in the first quarter of 2026 compared with the same period a year earlier. (National Statistical Institute)
[● 3 SOURCES] The Bulgarian government plans to increase the maternity‑benefit rate for mothers returning to work early to about 75%, up from the current 50%. (Nataliya Efrimova)
[● 3 SOURCES] Current maternity benefit for mothers returning early is 50% of the entitlement. (Nataliya Efrimova)
[● 3 SOURCES] Opposition leader Asen Vasilev says each Bulgarian will pay about €400 because of the 2026 budget. (Asen Vasilev)

Timeline

about 16 hours ago

[POLITICS] 3 sources
Bulgaria's 2026 State Budget Declared Unconstitutional by GERB Leader
GERG leader Boyko Borisov denounced Bulgaria’s 2026 budget as unconstitutional for breaching the 3% deficit limit and will challenge it in the Constitutional Court; Vice‑premier Atanas Pekanov defended its law‑
1 day ago

[BUSINESS] 10 sources
Bulgaria faces higher maternity benefits, budget costs and inflation
Bulgaria may raise early‑return maternity benefits to 75%, opposition warns the 2026 budget will cost each citizen €400, and inflation eases to 5.4% while service prices keep climbing.
2 days ago

[POLITICS] 5 sources
Bulgaria's 2026 Budget Faces Criticism Over Limited Reforms, Says Vasyl Velev
Vasyl Velev says Bulgaria's 2026 budget removes hidden liabilities but lacks bold reforms, noting a 7.2 bn lev deficit and urging stronger measures despite modest tax and cost‑cutting gains.
3 days ago

[POLITICS] 2 sources
Bulgaria's National Children's Hospital Funding Excluded from 2026 Budget
Bulgaria's GERB party says the 2026 budget omits any money for the National Children's Hospital, a project pledged by the prime minister, and a parliamentary proposal to fund it was rejected after many abstain.
3 days ago

[POLITICS] 2 sources
Bulgaria Allows Purchase of Missing Pension Insurance Periods
Bulgaria permits buying missing pension insurance periods via three legal routes—education, basic pension shortfall, or political repression—costing roughly 22‑23 months of contributions.
3 days ago

[BUSINESS] 2 sources
Bulgaria's Inflation Spike Tied to Domestic Spending and Debt
Bulgaria's inflation exceeds EU levels, fueled by domestic spending, new debt and wage hikes; ECB chief Lagarde urges fiscal discipline before euro adoption.
4 days ago

[POLITICS] 17 sources
Bulgaria approves 2026 state budget with 5.7% deficit
Bulgaria’s parliament approved the 2026 state budget with a 5.7% deficit, €7.2 bn shortfall, up to €10.1 bn new debt, and cuts to ministerial bonuses.
7 days ago

[POLITICS] 5 sources
Bulgaria's National Culture Fund audited over improper clothing expenditures
Bulgaria's National Culture Fund audit uncovered misuse of over 600,000 lev on clothing items and highlighted salaries below Sofia's average, prompting reforms and a deadline for corrective measures.
7 days ago

[BUSINESS] 2 sources
Bulgaria joins eurozone on Jan 1 2026, boosting financial stability
Bulgaria entered the euro area on Jan 1 2026, ending currency risk, gaining ECB access and expecting lower loan rates and higher investor confidence.
7 days ago

[BUSINESS] 3 sources
Bulgaria confronts tighter eurozone credit while launching proactive investor outreach
Eurozone firms see higher loan rates and fees, especially SMEs, while Bulgaria rolls out fast‑track measures to lure high‑tech investors and cut red tape.
7 days ago

[POLITICS] 13 sources
Bulgaria's 2026 budget raises pensions, wages amid fiscal strain
Bulgaria's 2026 budget, now in second reading, projects a 5.7% GDP deficit and raises pensions 7.8%, wages 5% and the minimum wage to €620, while rejecting opposition social‑spending proposals.
8 days ago

[POLITICS] 6 sources
Boyko Borisov slams Bulgarian government on Ukraine declaration and budget
GERB leader Boyko Borisov denounced the Bulgarian government for mixed messages on a Ukraine support declaration, a deceptive budget, and electoral‑code changes, urging transparency ahead of the presidential‑e
8 days ago

[BUSINESS] 5 sources
Bulgaria's Black Sea eateries face price hikes as tourists turn to supermarkets
Rising restaurant prices on Bulgaria's Black Sea coast push tourists to buy groceries, with consumers citing costly dishes and industry leaders pointing to market‑driven pricing.
8 days ago

[BUSINESS] 9 sources
Bulgaria's property market sees 18% drop in transactions, prices could fall up to 30%
Bulgaria’s property market contracts 18% in 2026, with regional transaction drops, rising mortgage‑financed sales and expert forecasts of 20‑30% price declines by 2029.
8 days ago

[POLITICS] 9 sources
Bulgaria's National Revenue Agency faces tax crackdown and bribery scandal
Bulgaria's tax agency launched a large inspection sweep in Plovdiv, warning 68 businesses of possible sealing, while two inspectors were arrested for demanding a €300 bribe in Cherno Morets and placed on leave.
8 days ago

[BUSINESS] 3 sources
Bulgaria sees dairy prices rise while fruit and vegetable costs diverge
Bulgaria's wholesale index fell 0.43% to 2.342 points as dairy prices rose sharply while many fruits and vegetables, notably peaches and zucchini, showed large price swings.
10 days ago

[BUSINESS] 5 sources
Bulgaria's tax agency issues 1,500 fines for unjustified price hikes
Bulgaria's National Revenue Agency has issued 1,500 fines for unjustified price hikes, totalling €1.7 million, after inspections of hundreds of retailers in Plovdiv and the Black Sea coast, sealing a nightclub
10 days ago

[BUSINESS] 2 sources
Bulgaria's tax agency launches midnight raid on Plovdiv's Kapana venues
Bulgaria's tax authority carried out a midnight inspection of 36 venues in Plovdiv's Kapana district, finding 10 violations and extending a wider summer crackdown on tax and labor compliance.
11 days ago

[HEALTH] 7 sources
Bulgaria pushes health reform with unified drug pricing and parliamentary debate
Bulgaria's parliament proposes law changes to centralize drug procurement and equalize hospital prices, while the Bulgarian Medical Union urges expert debate to ensure transparent, data‑driven health reforms.
11 days ago

[BUSINESS] 3 sources
Bulgaria's Black Sea resorts hit 50‑60% weekday occupancy, wide restaurant price gaps
Bulgarian Black Sea hotels see 50‑60% weekday occupancy, 15‑20% down from last year, while restaurant meals range from €4 to €75; officials cite service quality and upcoming reforms.
11 days ago

[POLITICS] 2 sources
Plamen Tonchev nominated again as head of Bulgaria's DANS agency
Bulgaria’s cabinet has nominated former DANS chief Plamen Tonchev for a new term; a parliamentary hearing will review his candidacy amid debate over agency reforms.
11 days ago

[POLITICS] 5 sources
Bulgaria's Parliament debates sweeping changes to the Electoral Code
Bulgaria's parliament will review six bills to overhaul the Electoral Code, proposing wider machine voting, fewer limits on overseas polls, removal of residency rules, tighter voter ID checks, and shifting vote
11 days ago

[POLITICS] 2 sources
Bulgarian government allocates €28.7 million for schools, sports facilities and teacher transport
Bulgaria approves €28.7 million for education, covering teacher transport, school and sports infrastructure, and student dormitory upgrades.
12 days ago

[POLITICS] 7 sources
Bulgaria's 2026 state budget passes first parliamentary reading
Bulgaria's parliament passed the 2026 state budget on first reading (143‑81), noting a 5.7% deficit, debt over 30% of GDP, and measures like a 5% public‑sector wage rise and higher taxes.
12 days ago

[POLITICS] 2 sources
Bulgaria's Culture Minister probes missing 400 decares and former NDK directors' unpaid salaries
Bulgaria's culture minister reports 400 decares of land missing from a public asset and says former NDK directors will not return overpaid salaries, prompting legal action and a new board appointment.
12 days ago

[BUSINESS] 2 sources
Bulgaria's online grocery sales surge as consumers cut bread and embrace bio, gluten‑free foods
Over half of Bulgarians now shop for food online, with the top retailer up 50% to €88 m; households cut bread, buy more fresh, bio, gluten‑free and pet foods, spending about €3,713 per person annually.
13 days ago

[BUSINESS] 8 sources
Bulgaria's June inflation falls but annual rate stays above 5% amid growing budget deficit
June 2026 Bulgarian inflation fell 0.9% month‑on‑month but stays above 5% annually; budget deficit widens after euro adoption, with plans to curb it by 2027.
13 days ago

[POLITICS] 4 sources
Bulgarian mothers rally for increased maternity benefits
Bulgarian mothers protested nationwide, demanding the second‑year child‑care allowance rise from €398 to about €480 and be indexed to the minimum wage, urging the government to adopt a comprehensive support‑for
13 days ago

[POLITICS] 2 sources
Plamen Todorov nominated as sole candidate for Bulgaria's anti‑corruption commission
Bulgaria's parliament heard Plamen Todorov, the sole nominee for the restored anti‑corruption commission, after his nomination by Progressive Bulgaria; the commission oversees asset declarations, investigations
14 days ago

[HEALTH] 2 sources
Karolov Hospital in Bulgaria reports higher staff salaries and millions in NHIF revenue
Karolov’s Dr Kiro Popov hospital posts above‑average salaries for doctors and nurses and records 8.47 million lev in revenue, 6.73 million lev from NHIF, in 2025.
14 days ago

[POLITICS] 4 sources
Bulgaria's Ministry of Interior pension age under scrutiny
Bulgaria's Fiscal Council urges raising the pension age for Ministry of Interior staff, citing thousands working past retirement and receiving both salary and pension, with budget impacts of over €2 bn for the
14 days ago

[POLITICS] 2 sources
Bulgaria's State Audit Office Sends Former NDK Director to Anti‑Corruption Probe
Bulgaria's State Audit Office referred former NDK director Andriana Tatarova and three other officials to the anti‑corruption commission over a conflict of interest involving a hall‑rental contract with her son
14 days ago

[BUSINESS] 2 sources
Bulgaria under EU deficit procedure while gender‑pay reporting remains delayed
Bulgaria entered an EU excessive deficit procedure over structural fiscal gaps, while delayed gender‑pay transparency rules mean women could lose about €672 each year.
15 days ago

[POLITICS] 2 sources
Boyko Borisov urges Bulgarian cabinet to shrink budget deficit to 3%
Boyko Borisov says GERB will back a new Bulgarian budget with a max 3% deficit, criticises current overspending, flags EU deficit risk, proposes joint venture for Belene nuclear plant, and calls for a united右‑w
15 days ago

[POLITICS] 4 sources
Boyko Borisov: Bulgarian govt mimics work on Belene nuclear plant
Boyko Borisov says Bulgaria’s government is inconsistent on the Belene nuclear restart, urges a Ukrainian joint‑venture, decries budget deficits and calls for a united right‑wing presidential candidate.
15 days ago

[BUSINESS] 2 sources
Bulgarian household wealth jumps 25% between 2020 and 2025
UBS reports Bulgarian adult wealth rose over 25% from 2020‑2025, hitting €555 bn in household net worth, though wealth gains remain unevenly distributed.
15 days ago

[POLITICS] 5 sources
Bulgarian MP Kalin Stoianov accuses Interior Minister Ivan Demerdzhiev of PNR misuse
Bulgarian DPS MP Kalin Stoianov filed a complaint accusing Interior Minister Ivan Demerdzhiev of misusing the PNR system to gather false travel data on Delian Peevski and to pressure prosecutors.
15 days ago

[POLITICS] 6 sources
Delian Peevski flight records disputed as businessman Lyubomir Petrov denies travel
A police flight report links DPS leader Delian Peevski to trips with businessman Lyubomir Petrov, who denies any travel together and threatens legal action; other figures also dispute the data.
16 days ago

[POLITICS] 2 sources
Bulgaria proposes new tuition fee formula to cap university fee hikes
Bulgaria's education ministry proposes a new tuition fee system that lowers the minimum threshold and caps fee increases at 20 % over four years, with public consultation ending 15 July.
16 days ago

[POLITICS] 5 sources
Delian Peevski’s travel allegations spark parliamentary scrutiny
Bulgarian MPs call for a probe into Delian Peevski’s alleged flights, questioning illegal data‑system use, undisclosed funding and possible influence‑peddling.
16 days ago

[POLITICS] 4 sources
Delian Peevski's private flights with judge Desislava Atanasova trigger resignation demand
MP Anton Kutev showed a GDOBP report that Delian Peevski flew on private jets with constitutional judge Desislava Atanasova to Dubai, prompting calls for her resignation and allegations of undeclared travel.
17 days ago

[POLITICS] 7 sources
Bulgaria placed under EU excessive‑deficit procedure
EU council opens an excessive‑deficit procedure on Bulgaria, citing a 4.1 % projected deficit for 2026. The country must present a corrective plan by 15 Oct 2026 and reduce the deficit below 3 % by 2029, or it
17 days ago

[POLITICS] 6 sources
Bulgaria approves 2026 health and social insurance budgets amid deficit concerns
Bulgaria's parliament approved the 2026 health and social insurance budgets, with the NHIF budget passing 131‑58‑1; it projects €5.256 bn revenue and higher spending, while the overall state budget faces a 5.7
17 days ago

[BUSINESS] 2 sources
EU launches deficit procedure against Bulgaria over 2026 budget gap
EU opened a deficit procedure against Bulgaria; Canada unemployment fell to 6.5%; Mexico industry output slipped; Brazil inflation eased; US jobless claims dropped; ECB ready to tighten further.
18 days ago

[POLITICS] 5 sources
Bulgaria's Rheinmetall ammunition plant faces political dispute
Bulgaria's opposition says the government risks a €1 bn Rheinmetall ammunition plant, a strategic defence project with €260 m and €407 m budget allocations, amid funding disputes and fears it may move to a邻国.
18 days ago

[POLITICS] 2 sources
Bulgaria adopts 2026 budget amid EU deficit concerns
Bulgaria's 2026 budget, deemed realistic yet constrained, faces EU deficit scrutiny and criticism over past fiscal misrepresentations, prompting calls for ministry reforms.
18 days ago

[POLITICS] 2 sources
Bulgaria moves to adopt banking law overhaul amid Eurozone push
Bulgaria's parliament approved sweeping reforms to the banking law to meet EU standards ahead of Eurozone entry, tightening supervision, board term limits and sanction powers, while also reviewing the Stryker ‑
19 days ago

[POLITICS] 6 sources
Bulgarian Interior Minister Ivan Demerdzhiev faces scrutiny over Peevski flight data and personal assets
Bulgarian interior minister Ivan Demerdzhiev provided a GDBOP report on Delian Peevski’s travel that opposition says contradicts his earlier statements, while his own 15‑property holdings are under scrutiny.
19 days ago

[HEALTH] 4 sources
Diagnosis Bulgaria platform uncovers 500% surge in hospital supply costs
The Diagnosis Bulgaria platform shows Bulgarian hospitals spending up to 500% more on consumables and over ten times more on identical drugs, prompting calls for audits.
19 days ago

[POLITICS] 2 sources
Bulgarian President Rumen Radev says Ukraine aid exhausted at NATO summit in Ankara
At the NATO summit in Ankara, Bulgarian President Rumen Radev said Bulgaria has exhausted its military aid for Ukraine, pledged continued support within limits, and called for EU action on defence spending and
19 days ago

[POLITICS] 5 sources
Kamelia Neykova appointed chief secretary of Bulgaria's Council of Ministers
Kamelia Neykova, former CEC chair and ex‑deputy defence minister, is now chief secretary of Bulgaria's Council of Ministers, overseeing cabinet coordination.
20 days ago

[BUSINESS] 3 sources
Bulgaria records over €13 million in online local tax payments in first half of 2026
Bulgaria's online payments for local taxes and fees topped €13 million in H1 2026, with 70% from Sofia, Plovdiv, Varna and Burgas; police fines added over €6 million.
20 days ago

[POLITICS] 3 sources
Bulgaria's Interior Ministry faces staffing crisis as over 7,000 employees receive pension and salary
Around 7,000 of Bulgaria's 51,000 interior ministry staff—over 14%—draw both salary and pension, while many more face fitness shortfalls and vacancies, prompting concerns over efficiency and a 600‑700 million л
20 days ago

[POLITICS] 2 sources
Bulgarian parliament defence committee to review 2026 budget
Bulgaria's defence committee reviews a €2.57 bn budget, targeting 2.15 % of GDP, with personnel and capital spending increases and a 2026 military salary freeze.
20 days ago

[POLITICS] 15 sources
Bulgaria's 2026 Social, Health and Education Budgets Approved by Parliament
Bulgaria's parliament approved 2026 budgets for pensions, health and education, raising pensions and contributions, allocating €5.2 bn to health, €5.6 bn to education, and projecting a 5.7% deficit.
20 days ago

[POLITICS] 2 sources
Bulgaria raises pensions 7.8% as updated payments begin in July 2026
Bulgaria begins paying 7.8% higher pensions on July 7 2026, removes the €30.68 COVID add‑on, and allocates €13.5 bn for pensions in the 2026 budget.
21 days ago

[HEALTH] 3 sources
Asen Medzhiev launches comprehensive audit of Bulgaria's National Health Insurance Fund
Interim head Asen Medzhiev ordered a wide‑range audit of Bulgaria’s National Health Insurance Fund for June 2023‑June 2026, reviewing procurement, pharmaceuticals, medical devices and minors’ treatment author‑
22 days ago

[HEALTH] 2 sources
Bulgaria's National Children's Hospital faces funding shortfall
Bulgaria’s 2026–2028 budget omits funding for the €400 million National Children’s Hospital, stalling construction and sparking health‑policy concerns.
22 days ago

[POLITICS] 3 sources
Bulgaria raises pensions by 7.8% and expands social pension benefits from July 1
From July 1, Bulgaria lifts labor pensions by 7.8% and raises the old‑age social pension by €183, adds two allowances and ends the Covid supplement, affecting roughly 163,000 people.
23 days ago

[BUSINESS] 2 sources
Bulgarian National Bank projects income growth to outpace inflation
Bulgaria’s central bank says income growth will keep outpacing inflation, cites limited euro impact and a strong deposit base.
23 days ago

[BUSINESS] 3 sources
Bulgaria's tax authority reports 100 violations in summer coastal inspections
Bulgaria's NRA inspected 330 Black Sea businesses, found ~100 violations—mainly missing receipts and cash mismatches—sealed two outlets lacking registers, issued fines up to €5,000, and continues price checks‑e
23 days ago

[BUSINESS] 2 sources
Bulgarian National Bank says internal factors, not euro, drive inflation
Bulgaria's central bank says rising incomes and private consumption, not euro adoption, are the main inflation drivers, with euro‑conversion impact minimal.
24 days ago

[POLITICS] 3 sources
Bulgaria's municipal investment program faces funding shortfall as mayor and finance minister demand budget revisions
Bulgaria's mayor and finance minister warn that most of a €3.4 bn municipal investment programme remains unpaid and call for extra state funding for infrastructure, schools and transport.
24 days ago

[POLITICS] 2 sources
Bulgaria's interior minister Ivan Demerdzhiev faces accusations amid culture minister's NDK board purge
Interior Minister Ivan Demerdzhiev faces a criminal probe over a disputed ID‑card contract, while Culture Minister Evgeni Miloshev ousted the NDK board after exposing massive salary overspending and a €49 m hit
24 days ago

[POLITICS] 3 sources
Bulgaria faces pension crisis as retirees work and system shows funding gaps
Bulgaria’s pension system is strained: contributions cover only half of payouts, the grey economy drains funds, and disability pensions rise. Over half of retirees work due to low pensions, far above the EU avg
24 days ago

[POLITICS] 2 sources
Bulgaria faces €1.5 bn pension fund drain and budget deficit concerns
Bulgaria's opposition warns that €1.5 bn lost to private pension funds worsens the state budget, while a projected 5.7 % deficit for 2026 is deemed unrealistic and delayed reforms could spark strikes.
25 days ago

[POLITICS] 3 sources
Bulgaria Tightens Pension Oversight and Disability Pension Controls
Bulgaria orders a pension audit for 2020‑2026 and proposes stricter disability‑pension checks, part of a 2026 budget allocating €13.5 bn to pensions.
25 days ago

[POLITICS] 3 sources
Bulgaria MP Kalin Stoyanov accuses colleagues of leaking classified data
Bulgarian DPS MP Kalin Stoyanov accused fellow deputy Ivo Mirchev of leaking classified info and later condemned Interior Minister Ivan Demerdzhiev for a parliamentary “show” over allegations about DPS leader D
25 days ago

[TECHNOLOGY] 2 sources
Bulgaria to expand toll cameras to photograph heavy trucks in overtaking lane
Bulgaria’s toll agency will add cameras that photograph heavy trucks in the overtaking lane from July 2026, initially on 15 highway sections, to boost road safety.
26 days ago

[POLITICS] 2 sources
Bulgarian Parliament Rejects Proposal to Raise Maternity Pay to 100%
Bulgaria's parliament rejected a bill to boost maternity compensation from 50% to 100%; the government plans a 75% increase in the 2027 budget.
26 days ago

[HEALTH] 2 sources
Bulgaria's National Health Insurance Fund budget reaches €5.2 bn in 2026
Bulgaria's National Health Insurance Fund will manage a €5.2 bn budget for 2026, an 8.5% rise, amid criticism that unchecked spending and lack of price transparency hinder health system improvements.
26 days ago

[POLITICS] 2 sources
Bulgaria raises 2026 pensions by 7.8% and ends COVID supplement
Bulgaria will lift 2026 pensions by 7.8% under a “Swiss rule”, end the €30.68 COVID supplement, and raise the minimum pension to €347.51.
26 days ago

[POLITICS] 5 sources
Bulgaria's Interior Minister Ivan Demerjiev faces GER‑B accusations over road‑safety contracts and DPS travel probe
Bulgaria's interior minister Ivan Demerjiev is sued by GERB over alleged road‑safety contract irregularities and faces criticism for a DPS travel probe, with parliamentarians demanding investigations into past‑
26 days ago

[POLITICS] 2 sources
President Iliana Yotova nominates Pavel Gaydarov to Bulgaria's anti‑corruption commission
Bulgarian President Iliana Yotova nominated investigator Pavel Gaydarov to the anti‑corruption commission, opening a 7‑day comment period under the anti‑corruption law.
26 days ago

[POLITICS] 7 sources
Bulgaria's 2026‑2027 budget faces sharp criticism over deficit and spending
Bulgarian officials warn the 2026‑27 budget risks high deficits, rising debt and calls for stronger reforms and realistic forecasts.
26 days ago

[POLITICS] 3 sources
Bulgarian Minister Shishkov flags 200 mln lev overpayment on national road‑barrier contracts
Minister Ivan Shishkov reports a 200 million lev overpayment on Bulgarian road‑barrier contracts, adds 16 million lev indexation, and warns of procurement issues and rising vignette fees.
26 days ago

[BUSINESS] 8 sources
Bulgaria and Romania overhaul utility tariffs on 1 July 2026
From 1 July 2026 Bulgaria raises gas, electricity and heating tariffs while Romania cuts gas‑distribution fees; both countries also introduce broader consumer‑price and regulatory reforms.
27 days ago

[POLITICS] 2 sources
Bulgaria's GERB party to sue Interior Minister Demerzhiev over defamation
GERB will sue Interior Minister Ivan Demerzhiev for defamation after he alleged former PM Boyko Borisov is linked to guard‑rail firms supplying highways in Bulgaria.
27 days ago

[POLITICS] 3 sources
Bulgaria Raises Pensions by 7.8% Starting 7 July 2026
Bulgaria’s pension system will see a 7.8 % increase on 1 July 2026, with payouts via post offices from 7‑20 July and bank transfers on 7 July; related allowances and unemployment benefits are also scheduled for
27 days ago

[POLITICS] 2 sources
Delian Peevski defends private flights and seeks full NSO security spending report
Delian Peevski defends his private flights after ministerial scrutiny and demands a full disclosure of NSO security spending for all protected officials since 2013.
27 days ago

[POLITICS] 2 sources
Bulgarian Interior Minister Ivan Demerdjiev Faces Corruption Allegations
Bulgarian interior minister Ivan Demerdjiev is accused of corruption ties to businessman Nikolay Filipov and a suspect 81 million‑lev contract, while he blames former PM Boyko Borisov for overpriced road‑safety
27 days ago

[BUSINESS] 3 sources
Bulgaria's business confidence falls as uncertainty and labour shortages loom
Bulgaria's business climate index fell to 16.1 in June, highlighting rising uncertainty, labour shortages and cautious outlooks in industry and construction, while retail stays modestly positive.
27 days ago

[POLITICS] 3 sources
Bulgaria's 2026 Health Insurance Budget Meets Employer Pushback
Bulgaria's 2026 NHIF budget, a €5.256 bn increase, faces employer criticism over spending guarantees, while KRIБ sets six reform conditions for its support.
27 days ago

[POLITICS] 5 sources
Bulgaria reveals 226k lev spent on state security for politician Delian Peevski
Bulgaria’s court forced the NSO to reveal that 226 680 lev was spent on Delian Peevski’s security in 2025, detailing salaries, vehicle costs and ending a secrecy dispute.
27 days ago

[POLITICS] 2 sources
Bulgaria's 2026 Social Insurance Budget Gains Conditional Support
Bulgaria's 2026 state social insurance budget, proposing a 7.8% pension rise and higher max insured income, received conditional backing from most social partners, with the industrial capital association object
27 days ago

[BUSINESS] 2 sources
Bulgaria stays among EU's cheapest countries as price gap narrows
Bulgaria and Romania sit at 63‑65 % of the EU price average in 2025, narrowing the gap as housing remains cheap while communications and food approach EU levels.
28 days ago

[BUSINESS] 2 sources
Bulgaria's inflation set to drop as outbound travel rises in May 2026
Bulgaria's inflation is expected to fall to 5.6% annually with June deflation, while outbound trips rose 5.5% in May, led by visits to Turkey and Greece.
28 days ago

[POLITICS] 4 sources
Bulgaria's Parliament Orders Audits of Pensions, Fiscal Programme and Road Agency
Bulgaria's Parliament has tasked the Supreme Audit Office with audits of pensions, the consolidated fiscal programme and the Road Infrastructure Agency for 2020‑2026, aiming to assess fiscal sustainability and
28 days ago

[POLITICS] 3 sources
Bulgaria's 2026 budget outlines tax hikes, spending cuts and rising debt
Bulgaria's 2026 budget projects a 5.7% GDP deficit, raises taxes on tobacco, fuel and e‑commerce, lifts public wages 5%, cuts staff 10%, while economists warn of overspending and urge tighter controls.
28 days ago

[BUSINESS] 4 sources
Bulgaria's tax authority launches surprise inspections on Black Sea tourism sector
Bulgaria's National Revenue Agency has started a summer campaign of surprise checks and secret‑shop inspections on the Black Sea coast to enforce tax rules, monitor prices and verify seasonal workers' contracts
28 days ago

[POLITICS] 6 sources
Triple Cooperation Council debates Bulgaria's 2026 budget amid union and business protests
Bulgaria's Triple Cooperation Council reviewed the 2026 budget with a 5.7% deficit, sparking union and employer protests over higher insurance limits, vignette fees, and tax burdens.
28 days ago

[POLITICS] 2 sources
Lyubomir Nikolov Announces Drone‑Enabled Police Patrols to Boost Road Safety on Bulgaria’s Trakia Highway
Bulgaria’s interior minister Lyubomir Nikolov unveiled a police overhaul—more patrols, constant lights, drones and unmarked cars—to curb road aggression and drug trade after a Trakia highway tragedy.
28 days ago

[POLITICS] 5 sources
Bulgaria's budget under fire for tax hikes and spending plans
Bulgaria's new budget draws criticism for tax hikes, sectoral wages, increased spending and lack of reforms, with politicians warning of debt risks and short‑term focus.
29 days ago

[POLITICS] 3 sources
Bulgarian Interior Minister Demerdzhiev probes guardrail contracts after Trakia crash
Bulgarian Interior Minister Ivan Demerdzhiev launches a probe into guardrail contracts and broader procurement after a fatal Trakia highway crash, citing possible links to a former prime minister.
29 days ago

[POLITICS] 4 sources
Bulgarian Interior Minister Ivan Demerdzhiev pushes new driver drug‑testing labs and probes costly crash‑barrier deals
Interior Minister Ivan Demerdzhiev says new driver drug‑testing labs start on Aug 1 and that Bulgaria is auditing costly crash‑barrier contracts and other procurement, pledging investigations and a comparison w
29 days ago

[POLITICS] 3 sources
Bulgaria faces calls for fiscal restraint as GERU leaders warn of debt rise and price spikes
GERB leaders warn Bulgaria’s new government is running up debt, losing price control and abandoning balanced‑budget policies ahead of euro‑zone entry.
29 days ago

[POLITICS] 6 sources
Bulgaria parliament moves forward with sweeping audits of 2020‑2026 state finances and 2026 budget
Progressive Bulgaria pushes three Court of Auditors' reviews of 2020‑26 state finances while Finance Minister Donev presents a 2026 budget with a 5.7% deficit and debt projected over €10 bn.
29 days ago

[POLITICS] 2 sources
Interior Minister Ivan Demerdzhiev probes highway barriers after Trakia crash
Interior Minister Ivan Demerdzhiev launches a probe into highway barrier contracts and alleged monopoly after the Trakia crash, while also targeting illegal settlements and accelerating forensic labs.
29 days ago

[POLITICS] 4 sources
Boyko Borisov Announces GERB Alternative Cabinet in Bulgaria
Boyko Borisov said GERB is forming an alternative cabinet, with multiple candidates per ministerial post, to offer voters a choice and criticise the current government’s spending and leadership.
29 days ago

[POLITICS] 5 sources
Bulgaria's fiscal policy debate intensifies ahead of 2026 budget
Bulgaria’s leaders debate a constitutional fiscal anchor and a 2026 budget that aims to cut a 7.4% deficit to 5.7% without reducing pensions or wages.

Sources

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