What will the 2026 state budget offer for Sofia?
In short, in addition to the problems for business and citizens that many specialists have pointed out, there is another very big problem - there is no transparency and no predictability, and this is the most important thing for large municipalities like Sofia.
This was commented on "Facebook" by Vasil Terziev.
First – the good news.
The money that Sofia will receive from the state for schools and other activities delegated by the state increases by about 90 million euros (or 14%). The money that the state gives to Sofia for investments and construction increases by almost 1.5 million euros (or 11%).
The subsidy for Sofia's urban transport has disappeared.
In the 2025 budget, it was 106 million leva, plus 15 million leva in additional aid from the Council of Ministers (remember that money with which they "solved" the crisis with the transport strike). For 2026 - complete uncertainty in the budget.
How much money will the state allocate for the capital's urban transport?
How will we guarantee the stability of one of the largest transport systems in Bulgaria?
The Metropolitan - a strategic object of national importance - is also in the dark.
How much money is planned for the expansion of the metro in 2026? In previous years, there were 40 million. Is there any for this one?
And how much for its security? Every year, security becomes more expensive and we have been praying for this money for a whole year. When will it go to the serious budget of the Ministry of Internal Affairs?
Without clear numbers, we cannot plan long-term.
The investment program for municipal projects raises even more serious questions.
Why will the funds go through the Bulgarian Development Bank?
What is the added value for the state or the municipalities?
Will the municipalities be required to return funds or pay interest?
If the state will pay interest to the bank anyway – why didn't it provide the money directly to the municipalities?
Will payments to the correct municipalities finally begin? Sofia has still only received 237 thousand leva for 2025, with 156 approved projects and 10 signed agreements for this year. The submitted payment requests amount to almost 35 million leva.
Will there be funds to pay for all the sites for which we already have a contract and relations and work performed?
The "household waste" fee.
It has been given the opportunity to remain unchanged in 2026, but it is not clear on what basis it will be calculated.
If not on a tax assessment – to what?
The Ministry of Finance owes an answer, because it is about the predictability of one of the most sensitive local taxes, which will be felt by EVERY household.
There may be enough money for Sofia. But for now, it is hidden behind the curtain. I hope that the mayor of the capital will not have to “stand under the coat of arms“ for the funds to reach the “people”.
The state budget should not become an instrument of political pressure. It should be an instrument of development.
Regardless of what the final version of the state budget looks like, the Sofia Municipality will continue to consistently uphold its policy - transparency, efficiency and financial stability.