Budget 2026 reflects everything that has happened in our country over the last 4 years in our socio-political life. This was stated in the program "Na Fokus" by the Minister of Finance Temenuzhka Petkova, NOVA reported.
„This plan - account shows the political timelessness, the lack of stability, of a regular government that would take responsibility for the policies it proposes. All these caretaker governments came and went. Populism in public finances was extremely high”, she explained.
„There were many comments, a lot of criticism. I listened to everyone, but unfortunately I cannot hear arguments in support of the critics' theses”, added Petkova.
According to her, “We Continue the Change - Democratic Bulgaria” and the caretaker governments of President Radev have a key role in this whole situation.
She also commented on why the debt is so large.
”One of the opposition's criticisms is related to the fact that this budget has very high expenses, with high debt. They are all based on changes in legislation. How was the minimum wage formed? Let's remember. In February 2023, the Minister of Finance Assen Vassilev proposed and was adopted by the parliament that the minimum wage be 50% of the average gross wage. That is, he introduced automatism in determining the minimum wage and practically rendered meaningless the dialogue within the Tripartite Council, which is conducted in determining the parameters of the minimum wage. It, in turn, is connected to a series of payments in the social sphere, which are tied to the minimum wage. And naturally, when it increases, social spending also increases”, claims Petkova.
According to her, Assen Vassilev has made it a rule for the budget to have a deficit of 3%.
„We have nothing against increasing wages and pensions, but this should happen during the development of the economy. And here is the great sin of Assen Vassilev, since he did not tell the truth to Bulgarian citizens. He took out loans to increase pensions and wages”, believes the Finance Minister.