site.btaPresident Radev Calls Presentation of 2026 Draft Budget Disrespectful

President Rumen Radev Saturday commented that the drafting and presentation of the 2026 State Budget Bill was disrespectful, both towards the partners in the Tripartite Council - businesses and trade unions - and towards taxpayers.

"We have heard all opinions on the budget, and even those who drew it up are not speaking in its favour," Radev commented.

"This budget is aimed at political survival and at buying the voters' affection, but the consequences will be paid by all of us," the President said, adding that the proposed budget would lead to greater indebtedness.

On November 13, the Cabinet approved the State Budget Bill, the Public Social Insurance Budget Bill and the National Health Insurance Fund Budget Bill for 2026. The proposals were introduced into Parliament without a discussion with employers' organizations, which boycotted two meetings of the National Council for Tripartite Cooperation.

On November 14, Labour and Social Policy Minister Borislav Gutsanov said the dialogue with employers had not been interrupted, although the budget had not been discussed by the National Council for Tripartite Cooperation.