site.btaContinue the Change - Democratic Bulgaria Submits Bills Aimed at Reducing Government Spending

Continue the Change-Democratic Bulgaria MP Yordan Ivanov told journalists in Parliament that his party had submitted two bills: one proposing a 15% reduction in public administration and another proposing the abolition of public holidays on Mondays.

He explained that, following public statements by GERB indicating a budget deficit of 5% at the end of 2025 and 8% at the end of 2026, his party had become concerned about the country's financial state. He declared that those in power had indicated that they would either raise taxes or take out huge loans, which is why the bill had been submitted.

"We propose an administrative reform which includes a 15% reduction in the public administration workforce, amounting to around 20,000 employees, and we oblige the Council of Ministers to develop a strategy that will enable us to have a small, compact and electronic administration where people are promoted based on merit rather than party affiliation, as is currently the case", said Ivanov.

He added that a bill providing for the abolition of public holidays on Mondays has also been submitted. According to data from employers' organizations, the net negative effect on the state budget of one public holiday on a Monday amounts to BGN 250 million, the MP said. He added that Bulgaria consistently has fewer than 250 working days per year compared to the European average of 253.