Photo: Ladislav Cvetkov
Demonstrations erupted across Bulgaria on Monday as the government and social partners continued negotiations over the 2026 budget, amid growing public frustration over the financial framework.
Commuters reported overcrowded metro stations near Sofia’s main square, where protesters gathered to demand the withdrawal of the proposed budget. Demonstrations are expected to continue in the coming days as the government seeks to reach a compromise.
The Cabinet, employers, and trade unions are scheduled to resume talks on Tuesday to discuss possible revisions to the financial plan, including cost estimates and potential offsets for proposed expenditures.
Meanwhile, some analysts have expressed concern about the integrity of the current framework. Levon Hampartzoumian warned that the financial plan is “broken to its foundations,” citing inefficiencies, lack of reforms, and political compromises embedded in the budget.
Employers have maintained their position against tax or social contribution increases, with the Confederation of Employers and Industrialists (KRIB) emphasizing that regulatory burdens such as reporting requirements under SUPTO and GPS tracking are unnecessary.
Trade unions remain cautiously optimistic about the talks. Plamen Dimitrov, president of the Confederation of Independent Trade Unions in Bulgaria (KNSB), said a compromise could be reached despite initial appearances of impossibility.
The government faces pressure to adjust social payments, including maternity benefits, which currently fall short of meeting the needs of families. One parent highlighted that the monthly cost of diapers and milk for a toddler exceeds 1,500 leva, while current benefits amount to only 780 leva.
If consensus is not reached, authorities may be forced to extend the existing financial framework to ensure continuity of social payments, as has occurred in previous years.