site.btaSocial Programmes Must Not Be Used to Influence Voter Turnout, Social Policy Minister Says

Social programmes must not be used as a tool to influence voter turnout, caretaker Minister of Labour and Social Policy Hasan Ademov said on Bulgarian National Television on Sunday.

Ademov emphasized that a key task of the caretaker Government is to ensure fair and transparent elections that restore citizens’ trust in the electoral process and state institutions. He noted that social policies should not serve political purposes, including practices commonly referred to as “vote for bread.”

The Minister highlighted that social support programmes, such as Hot Meals, personal assistants, home care, and employment initiatives, are intended for all Bulgarian citizens regardless of political affiliation. The Ministry of Labour and Social Policy will maintain a zero-tolerance policy toward misuse of social tools.

Ademov said ministry leadership is visiting all planned regions to meet with staff and clarify rules to prevent political influence in social services. Over 8,000 employees work in the Ministry’s system nationwide. He added that serious violations or collaboration between local authorities and social services will prompt strict measures. “We must put an end to the ugly practice of buying votes through social policy instruments,” Ademov said.