The Confederation of Independent Trade Unions in Bulgaria (CITUB) has stated that the 2026 state budget should be adopted within two months, according to President Plamen Dimitrov. Speaking at a recent press conference, Dimitrov presented data concerning the cost-of-living wage for the first quarter of 2026 and noted that work on the regular budget has commenced. Dimitrov mentioned the existence of an unofficial draft from the caretaker Cabinet, which would be handed over to the regular government.
He added that if a clear parliamentary majority is established, the budget could potentially be adopted in no more than six weeks. CITUB emphasized its preference for the adoption of the second version of the budget proposed at the end of 2025, which, according to the union, had not been officially enacted. 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 significant capital program.
Furthermore, the union expects the new budget to incorporate support for public transport and targeted measures benefiting vulnerable populations. CITUB also proposed maintaining current public transport fares while introducing free travel for pensioners, the socially vulnerable, and persons with disabilities for certain months until price stabilization. Procedurally, the National Assembly had previously adopted amendments to the 2025 Budget Extension Act, keeping it in effect until a regular 2026 State Budget Act is passed.
This aligns with earlier statements from the caretaker Finance Minister, who indicated readiness to submit a regular budget should a governing majority not form in the next parliament.
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The emphasis on adopting the 2026 budget within two months highlights the current urgency around economic planning.