site.btaUPDATED Deputy PM Zafirov: Many Commitments to Voters Cannot Be Met Within Next Year’s Budget

“I am fully aware that a large part of the commitments we made to Bulgarian voters cannot be fulfilled within next year’s budget,” Deputy Prime Minister Atanas Zafirov said during Friday's question time in Parliament.

According to him, this is not the “dream budget of Left-wing Bulgaria.” It is a realistic budget, within the limits of what is possible. “A budget in a difficult governing formula that includes ideologically incompatible parties, but a budget that is above all directed toward the essential needs of Bulgarian citizens,” Zafirov said.

Social security contributions will increase by two percentage points, the Deputy Prime Minister noted, adding that thanks to the joint efforts of the governing partners, maximum insurance thresholds will also be raised — something he believes will help balance the pension system.

The budget sets out clear, strict, and disciplined policies for raising incomes and supporting all workers, Zafirov said. According to him, this is “visible to the naked eye.” He added that the minimum wage has been safeguarded and will rise to 1,213 leva from 2026 — an increase of 12.6%, which far outpaces inflation. 

The Government has placed a very strong emphasis in this budget on supporting parents and children. A total of EUR 383.8 million is allocated for child and family policies. Maternity pay for the second year is being increased to EUR 460 (per month). The compensation rate for mothers who return to work during the second year is rising from 50% to 75% (of their gross monthly salary). “There has been a lot of speculation about this measure, but even if only 20% of mothers make use of this option, the budget will not be in deficit — it will be in surplus,” the Deputy Prime Minister commented.

After Atanas Zafirov’s response, an exchange of remarks began between Vazrazhdane and BSP – United Left, prompting Parliament Speaker Raya Nazaryan to call a 15-minute recess so MPs could calm down.