site.btaPodkrepa Labour Confederation Ready to Endorse 2026 State Social Security Budget Despite Concerns

Podkrepa Labour Confederation will probably endorse the 2026 draft financial plan, though “with clenched teeth”, Podkrepa President Dimitar Manolov told reporters before the Sunday meeting of the Supervisory Board of the National Social Security Institute (NSSI), which is to discuss the 2026 draft budget of the state social security system.

Manolov said that he is dissatisfied with the freeze on unemployment benefits and maternity payments. “I don’t like that unemployment benefits and maternity allowances are being frozen but at the political meeting it became clear that there is no other option,” he noted. On Friday, trade unions, employer organizations, and the government have reached agreement on the main parameters of the draft budget for 2026. 

Manolov noted, however, that he is satisfied with the planned increase in funds for salaries at the NSSI. The shortfall from keeping the pension contribution rate unchanged next year will be compensated through restructuring of internal expenditures and additional funding from the state. “In a political situation like this, we can hardly expect bold decisions,” Manolov added.

“What we agreed on has been delivered, but some issues remain unresolved and we currently have no way of reaching agreement,” he said. Manolov added that there had been promises for additional funds next year for the care of children without parents.