The Confederation of Independent Trade Unions in Bulgaria (CITUB) stated on Monday that the 2026 state budget should be adopted within two months. Speaking at a press conference, CITUB presented data concerning the cost-of-living wage for the first quarter of 2026 and confirmed that work on the regular budget has commenced. CITUB President Plamen Dimitrov noted the existence of an unofficial draft prepared by the caretaker Cabinet, which is expected to be handled by the incoming regular government.
Dimitrov asserted that if a clear parliamentary majority is established, the budget could be adopted in no more than six weeks. The union emphasized its preference for adopting the second version of the budget that was presented at the close of 2025, a proposal that, according to Dimitrov, “never saw the light of day.” This preferred draft included provisions for a 3% deficit, a 10% increase in personnel spending, and an 8.6% rise in pensions effective July 1, alongside a substantial capital program. Key expectations for the new budget also include continued support for public transport and targeted measures for vulnerable populations.
CITUB further proposed maintaining current public transport fares and introducing free travel for pensioners, socially vulnerable individuals, and persons with disabilities for specific months until price stabilization. Contextually, the National Assembly amended the 2025 Budget Extension Act on March 18, ensuring its continuation until a regular 2026 State Budget Act is passed. Meanwhile, caretaker Finance Minister Georgi Klisurski indicated on April 1 that the caretaker Cabinet is prepared to submit a regular budget should no governing majority emerge in the next parliament.
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Hopefully, the necessary funds for cost-of-living adjustments are secured quickly.