site.btaTrade Union President Stresses Importance of Keeping Prices under Control

Speaking to Nova TV on Saturday, Plamen Dimitrov, President of the Confederation of Independent Trade Unions in Bulgaria (CITUB), said that "the most important thing at the moment is to keep prices under control."

He said that there is a significant rise in the cost of staple foods and service, noting that prices for some items in the small consumer basket have increased by 20–30% year-on-year. In cases of suspected unfair trade practices, the Commission for Protection of Competition must intervene, he said. "There is no explanation as to why we have seen the highest absolute dairy prices in the EU in recent years," Dimitrov said.

The CITUB President also predicted that Bulgaria's credit rating could be upgraded again early next year, when the country officially joins the euro area.

"The 2026 budget is likely to be quite heavy," Dimitrov said. In his words, incomes will continue rising at a double-digit rate - between 12% and 15% - similar to the pace seen in the past two years. "This is what happened in all Baltic states after they joined the euro area. Significant catch-up was achieved within six to seven years," he noted. "I believe Bulgaria will follow the same path," Dimitrov noted, adding that this must go hand-in-hand with new investment and the creation of added value, leading to a fairer distribution between businesses and workers.

He identified corruption as the country’s main issue. "Investors pay attention to credit ratings, but they also want guarantees for their investments," the CITUB President said.

Dimitrov added that following Monday’s protest by forestry workers, employees from other agencies are also expected to stage protests.

“The message from Brussels is to reduce the deficit, not spending,” he said.