site.btaPM Says Budget Dispute Will Not Derail Eurozone Accession

Outgoing Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov said on Wednesday that he has no concerns about Bulgaria joining the eurozone because of the disputes surrounding the country’s budget for next year. He commented on this and other issues to Bulgarian journalists in Brussels, where he arrived to take part in meetings of European leaders.

Zhelyazkov was referring to disagreements over whether the National Assembly should adopt the 2026 State Budget Bill or an extension to the state budget scheme for 2025 following the government's resignation last week and considering the prospect of Bulgaria being governed by a caretaker cabinet early next year. Eventually, the Assembly adopted a law extending the 2025 budget into 2026.

According to the Prime Minister, by adopting an extension budget the outgoing government has clearly shown that it has no political commitment to implement policies that do not have support in parliament. "It is obvious that we are heading for elections, this is stated by all political parties," Zhelyazkov said. "My view is that a new, stable, regular government should be formed as soon as possible so that it can adopt a budget that guarantees all policies, which only a government that has received legitimacy from the sovereign can pursue."

He went on to note: "Every budget follows a certain logic and policies and provides opportunities for greater flexibility in everything that needs to be financed. It also gives a very clear direction with regard to the revenue side, as well as to social payments."

On the issue of funding for Ukraine, Zhelyazkov explained that Bulgaria is seeking to achieve legal certainty. "Insofar as our position has always been principled in support of Ukraine’s sovereignty, including the possibilities for financing everything related to achieving a lasting and just peace, as well as Ukraine’s recovery, our position will be aligned with the European states," he said. In response to a question, Zhelyazkov said that if a decision is adopted by a qualified majority, Bulgaria will support it.