Prof. Dimitrov slams 2026 budget, warns of hasty tax hike

Prof. Grigor Dimitrov, a member of the Supervisory Board of the National Health Insurance Fund, has strongly criticized the government for its approach to the 2026 budget proposal. He expressed frustration that authorities kept details about the next year’s state budget under wraps until very recently, accusing leaders of acting with excessive confidence due to their slim parliamentary majority.

Prof. Dimitrov argued that increasing social security contributions was originally planned for 2027 and 2028, with the intent to first explore alternative solutions. He believes the government acted prematurely by raising the rate without exhausting other possibilities, suggesting that reform should come before such financial measures. According to Dimitrov, visible changes are needed to convince especially younger citizens that the system is being improved, warning that current actions amount to “putting out the fire with gasoline.” He also noted that clinical pathway payments are set to rise by 20 percent beginning in 2026.