Vote on first reading Budget 2026

The state budget for 2026 will be voted on first reading in the plenary hall. The financial framework for next year is calculated with a deficit of three percent or 3.6 billion euros.

The 2026 budget is calculated with a limit for assuming new state debt of 10.5 billion euros, which many times exceeds the repayment of the deficit and the refinancing of old obligations. Minister Temenuzhka Petkova drew attention to the fact that the new debt also includes expenses under the SAFE defense instrument.

The transitional and final provisions of the draft budget also include changes in tax laws. With them, the "dividend" tax is increased from 5 to 10 percent. There is also an increase in taxation on gambling - from 20 to 25 percent. An increase is planned for excise rates on tobacco products. The requirements for software for traders - the so-called SUPTO - also caused a very sharp reaction.

The financial framework met with sharp criticism from both the opposition and business and trade unions. While employers complain about "bullying" and warn that they will not be able to take advantage of the opportunities that the introduction of the euro opens up for greater competition and increased investment, the trade unions objected to the insufficient growth of incomes in certain areas.

Yesterday, the budgets of the state social security and the Health Fund were approved on the first vote. The reports of the relevant committees on the state budget were also presented.