“What we wanted was for the minimum wage law to be complied with and that happened. From January 1, it will be 1,213 leva, or 620 euros.” This was stated by the deputy chairman of the BSP National Council Kaloyan Pargov on the air of Bulgaria ON AIR. He added that the 2026 budget also provides for an increase in maternity to 900 leva in the second year, with mothers who return to work receiving 75% of the compensation, instead of the previous 50%.
“Part of the money will come from an increase in the gambling tax by 5%. The fight against the shadow economy is also a priority and one of the requirements for entering the Eurozone. It is no coincidence that this year the law on personal bankruptcy was adopted, which has been postponed for years and is being waited for by nearly 1 million Bulgarians, pressured by creditors and private enforcement agents”, Pargov pointed out.
According to him, there is unanimity between the BSP and the unions both on budgetary issues and on the upcoming tax and social security reform.“The public discussion, which will begin on January 1, must include social partners and all interested parties. I agree with the business that we must stop the outflow of Bulgarian capital from the country, but this is also happening under the current tax system. The flat tax has run its course and a change is now needed. The International Monetary Fund and the World Bank confirmed it - they have clearly become bigger socialists than us”, he commented.
On the topic of the rotation of the Speaker of the National Assembly, Kaloyan Pargov recalled that with the election of Natalia Kiselova, the parliamentary crisis was resolved and an opportunity was given to form a government. “Since April, GERB has constantly raised the question that they are the first force and that the BSP's positions in power do not correspond to our parliamentary representation. Okay, but then let's review the policies set out in the agreement for joint governance and everything we want to start happening faster”, the socialist also said.