Ivanov slams new budget as blow to middle class

Bulgaria’s government operates like a household dependent on payday loans, according to legislator Yordan Ivanov from the Continuing Change – Democratic Bulgaria coalition. The representative outlined three budget reform conditions during a television appearance: cutting state employment by 15 percent, retiring Interior Ministry workers who have reached pension eligibility, and requiring government employees to cover their social insurance costs.

Ivanov attributed bloated bureaucracy to GERB party practices during its time controlling national affairs. He suggested the ruling faction expand public payrolls to build a voter base loyal to their political interests. The proposed spending plan will damage households in the economic center because they will finance wage hikes for state workers, Ivanov said. He dismissed arguments that former Finance Minister Assen Vassilev bears responsibility for current fiscal problems and said next year’s framework emphasizes large expenditures while avoiding structural changes.

The legislator rejected government claims linking present budget parameters to policies implemented under the previous finance chief and stated officials cannot attribute all difficulties to that administration.