Petkova budget crushes workers’ pay

ByEnigma 808

Bulgaria’s Chief Economist at CITUB sharply condemned the proposed 2026 state budget, calling it harmful to workers. Lyuboslav Kostov expressed concern that officials would provide the 400-page document late at night, then demand immediate feedback the next day at noon.

The minimum wage is set to be reduced under Finance Minister Temenuzhka Petkova’s plan, which labor confederations firmly oppose. Only Albania maintains a lower minimum wage than Bulgaria among Balkan and European nations, Kostov noted.

Trade unions announced demonstrations for Friday with plans to escalate if demands go unmet. The budget framework creates problematic disparities, with pensions rising 7.6 percent while worker incomes grow just 5 percent.

Workers with medium and low incomes will suffer disproportionately from policies that punish those driving economic expansion. CITUB and Podkrepa confederation members plan joint action to challenge the parliamentary submission deadline.

Author

  • Enigma XO avatar (80x80)

    Besides writing and being a content creator, Enigma 808 sometimes likes to watch paint dry on walls, listening to ASMR while timing snails racing. Such is life.