site.btaUPDATED Trade Unions Warn MPs of Income Freeze in 2026 if New Budget Fails After Cabinet's Resignation

The Confederation of Independent Trade Unions in Bulgaria (CITUB) and the Podkrepa Confederation of Labour organized a protest action in front of the National Assembly, demanding that MPs clearly explain what will happen to incomes in 2026 if Parliament fails to adopt the submitted draft budgets and instead approves an extension of the 2025 State Budget Act. There was increased police presence in the area, and union representatives were handing out sheets with their questions to every entering MP, although some lawmakers refuse to take them.

CITUB’s chief economist, Lyuboslav Kostov, told BTA that although the government has resigned, the budget remains within Parliament’s powers. He warned that the prepared budgets appear at risk of being rejected, which could push the country into crisis starting January 1. According to him, if no new budget is adopted, the agreed increases to the minimum wage, as well as the salaries of teachers, doctors, medical specialists, the second-year maternity benefits, and other incomes will not take place. These were negotiated to increase by 10–15% to help households meet the new year. “Someone decided to act offended after the resignation,” he said, adding that all MPs, whether from the government or the opposition, bear responsibility before the public.

Kostov noted that an extension of the current budget would preserve all 2025 rates throughout 2026 and added that it is unclear whether there will be enough funds for salaries and pensions.  

MPs from both the ruling majority and the opposition commented, upon entering Parliament, on the trade union demonstration taking place in front of the National Assembly building.

Gabriel Valkov of the BSP–United Left Parliamentary Group asked whether anyone had actually looked at what they had proposed between the first and second readings, adding that responsibility lies with those in power. “We are the party that raised wages,” he said.

“We fully support the unions’ demands and I believe we should not enter the new year or the eurozone without a budget. It is the responsibility of all parties in this Parliament to show reason. We are ready to adopt a sensible budget that raises the minimum wage and meets the unions’ demands,” Venko Sabrutev of the Continue the Change – Democratic Bulgaria told the media. According to him, it is impossible to join the eurozone without increasing people’s incomes.

According to the leader of Velichie, Ivelin Mihaylov, money for wages has never actually been set aside in the budget. “To bring prices down, we need a market economy, and we don’t have one. Even if salaries rise by 5%, when prices jump by 20%, everything gets eaten up. We cannot vote for this budget because it is theft,” Mihaylov said.

He added that the budget should be structured so that there is no 150% increase over two years in the funding for the Anti-Corruption Commission and the Commission for Forfeiture of Illegally Acquired Assets. “The entire allocation is wrong - some receive too much, while other areas are drained. There is plenty of money for the people, as long as the chance to do things properly is given,” Mihaylov said.