site.btaLabour and Social Policy Minister Opposed to Bill Abolishing Public Holidays on Mondays

People are used to the fact that when public holidays fall on a Saturday or Sunday, the first working day is a day off, Social Minister Borislav Gutsanov told journalists regarding Continue the Change - Democratic Bulgaria's bill, which proposes to abolish public holidays on Mondays in the country. Many countries in Europe already have a four-day working week, the Minister commented.

Gutsanov supported the Council of Ministers' proposal for December 31 and January 2, 2026 to be declared public holidays due to the adoption of the euro. "Payment will be in accordance with the law - a 75% of the salary. No one will be put in a disadvantage," Gutsanov assured.

Gutsanov said that the Ministry of Labour and Social Policy supports the proposal for flexible working hours for parents of schoolchildren up to 12 years old during the summer vacation. "The Ministry has offered an idea that MPs should consider – that it should not be only for the summer break, but for all school holidays," he noted. The Minister acknowledged that implementing such a possibility would be difficult across all sectors of work.

Regarding the pension system, Gutsanov stated that he does not support raising the retirement age or increasing pension contributions.