site.btaPodkrepa Trade Union Rejects 2026 Draft Budgets for State, Health Insurance Fund, and Public Social Insurance

The Podkrepa Confederation of Labour does not support the 2026 draft budgets of the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF), the Public Social Insurance, or the national state budget, the union said in a statement on Wednesday.

According to Podkrepa, the NHIF budget was prepared on a "historical principle" and lacks reforms to address key problems in healthcare, such as the growing number of hospitals, staff shortages, low pay, uneven access between regions, neglected municipal hospitals, and high prices of medicines and medical supplies, all of which endanger public health.

While the draft foresees a 10.1% increase in staff spending, the union insists on a 13.6% rise to offset low wage growth this year and accumulated inflation. Podkrepa supports maintaining the current 8% health insurance contribution rate.

The union also rejects the draft budget of the Public Social Insurance arguing that its policies fail to address the demographic crisis, poverty, and social exclusion. The proposed 2-percentage-point increase in the pension fund contribution, partly paid by workers, will effectively reduce incomes amid inflation, while benefits remain unchanged.

Podkrepa further opposes the 2026 state budget, saying it does not address income inequality, poverty, or demographic challenges. The union notes that all tax reliefs and family benefits remain frozen despite inflation and calls for a minimum 20% increase in tax reliefs and family allowances, as well as higher maternity and childcare payments in line with average income growth. It also demands a 13.6% increase in public sector wages, amounting to about BGN 1.8 billion in additional spending.

Earlier on Wednesday, the planned meeting of the National Council for Tripartite Cooperation, where the three draft budgets were to be discussed, was canceled after employer organizations refused to participate.