PM Zhelyazkov: Pay Rise in Armed Forces to Continue in Coming Years

UPDATED PM Zhelyazkov: Pay Rise in Armed Forces to Continue in Coming Years

Dimitrina Solakova, Nikol Nikolova, BTA Correspondent Stanimir Savov

Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov speaking at a solemn ceremony for the military oath of the cadets from the 152nd class of the Vasil Levski National Military University in Shumen, Northern Bulgaria, October 11, 2025 (BTA Photo/Stanimir Savov)

Shumen, Northern Bulgaria,

11.10.2025 13:02 | UPDATED 11.10.2025 13:40

(BTA)

Salaries for military personnel were increased by 10% this year, and the increase in remuneration will continue in the coming years as part of the long-term care for the development of human resources in the Armed Forces, Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov said here on Saturday. He was speaking at a solemn ceremony for the military oath of the cadets from the 152nd class of the Vasil Levski National Military University in Shumen.

More than 170 first-year cadets, who are beginning their training at the military academy, took the military oath. The event was attended by Minister of Defence Atanas Zapryanov, members of Parliament, representatives of local authorities, and senior military officials.

Addressing the cadets, the Prime Minister said: "Today, you took an oath - an oath to serve your family and homeland, an oath to serve the Bulgarian people, an oath to serve the past and future of our fatherland. You are the 152nd graduating class of this higher education institution, this Bulgarian military university, which since 1878 has been a forge for the Bulgarian Armed Forces, a bearer of knowledge of military art, a forge of the dignity of Bulgarian officers, a cradle of heads of State, chairpersons of the National Assembly, prime ministers."

Zhelyazkov went on to say that respect for the military profession is expressed not only in public recognition, but also in the State's ongoing efforts to ensure consistent and adequate pay for Bulgarian soldiers. "The income policy in the defence sector will continue to develop so that the military profession is attractive and dignified, and serving the homeland is a conscious choice and calling," he said.

In his speech, the Prime Minister also emphasized the modernization of the Bulgarian army, noting that it is one of the Government's main priorities. "The sources of funding and the projects to be implemented under the Armed Forces Investment Programme until 2032 are clear," he noted. Zhelyazkov was adamant that the knowledge, training, and resilience of the cadets would guarantee the successful implementation of these projects and the strengthening of national security.

He wished the cadets "a lot of knowledge, physical fitness, psychological endurance, and may the sense of duty, honour, and responsibility that we all felt today, the feeling of national pride never leave you, day or night, from now on."

/DS/