site.btaDemographic Policy Requires More Than Short-Term Measures, PB MP Yanev Says

Demographic policy is often discussed, but it cannot be reduced to one-off financial assistance or short-term programmes. It requires a strong economy, fairly paid jobs, quality education, accessible healthcare, modern infrastructure and balanced regional development, Progressive Bulgaria (PB) MP Ivan Yanev said here on Wednesday in a declaration from the parliamentary rostrum marking World Population Day, observed on July 11. The day was established by the United Nations following the birth of the world's five-billionth inhabitant in 1987. 

"While the world's population continues to grow, Bulgaria is facing one of the most severe demographic crises in its modern history. In 1990, the country's population exceeded 8.6 million. According to official data as of December 31, 2025, the number of Bulgarian citizens has fallen to just 6,423,207," Yanev said. 

He noted that Bulgaria has lost more than 2.2 million citizens in the span of a single generation. 

"These are not just statistics. Behind them stand depopulated villages, closed schools, deserted kindergartens, labour shortages and entire regions that are slowly but steadily losing their vitality," the MP said. 

He added that Bulgaria's population is now distributed extremely unevenly, with people concentrating in areas that offer employment opportunities and prospects, quality education, accessible healthcare and security.