site.btaParliamentary Social Policy Committee Expects Minister to Propose Financial Support Measures Before Easter and Christmas

Denitsa Sacheva, chair of the parliamentary Committee on Labour and Social Policy, said Tuesday that she expects Labour and Social Policy Minister Borislav Gutsanov to present legislative proposals for financial assistance to disadvantaged citizens ahead of Easter and Christmas. Sacheva shared her formal letter to the minister in a Facebook post.

In the letter, she requests that by December 20, Minister Gutsanov provide committee members with clear legislative ideas for creating a new type of biannual support or supplement for individuals and families—one issued before Christmas and one before Easter. She calls for the proposals to be based on practices in other countries, the experience of the Social Assistance Agency and the National Social Security Institute, as well as the extensive data available to the National Revenue Agency. Sacheva also asks for detailed calculations covering different groups of beneficiaries, eligibility criteria, and potential support amounts. Once submitted, the proposals would move through public consultation and final political consideration.

"Holidays are a symbol of community, and social exclusion during these days is felt most deeply," Sacheva writes. She stresses that Christmas and Easter are tied to family, closeness, tradition, solidarity, and hope—and that when the poorest cannot participate, they face not only material hardship but cultural and emotional isolation. The role of the state, she argues, "is to include rather than divide".

Sacheva also notes that the current system of paying holiday supplements through pensions "distorts the pension model", as such payments should be considered social support rather than pension additions. Public debates on the issue, she warns, often escalate into political attacks and accusations of populism at the expense of the most vulnerable.

She concludes that a sustainable legislative solution is needed—one not dependent on shifting political circumstances but grounded in consistent state policy.

Sacheva's post follows an announcement by government officials, including herself, that no money is available for Christmas supplements. Then Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov said that there will be supplements if the money is secured for that. Finally, earlier on Tuesday when MRF - New Beginning leader Delyan Peevski urged the power-holders to make sure pensioners get Christmas supplements.