Budget 2026 slammed as tax hike, debt, broken promises

Bulgaria’s opposition leader Cornelia Ninova accused the government of systematic deception regarding its 2026 fiscal proposal, claiming authorities broke multiple campaign pledges through the spending plan. The chief of Rebellious Bulgaria highlighted what she described as five major broken promises in statements released through social media.

Ninova alleged officials misled voters about maintaining current levy rates before raising dividend assessments from 5 percent to 10 percent and boosting pension insurance payments by two percentage points. She said promised increases for widow benefits never materialized and predicted economic expansion dropped to 2.7 percent despite pledges of investment surges following eurozone entry. Price growth projections reached 3.5 percent rather than staying under 3 percent as required for monetary union admission, the politician stated.

The administration plans borrowing another 10 billion euros during the coming year, Ninova noted. She characterized the budget as producing elevated obligations, stagnant commerce, widening disparities and expanding hardship. These outcomes stem from what she termed a dishonest and incompetent governing coalition lacking fundamental principles.