Vazrazhdane blasts debt, calls budget a disaster

Kostadin Kostadinov told reporters on Tuesday that Bulgaria faces financial disaster after the government proposed borrowing 21 billion leva in the coming year. The Vazrazhdane party leader said the nation has accumulated more than 40 billion leva in debt over two years, with daily borrowing reaching 52 million leva this year and projected to hit 60 million leva next year.

The parliament member criticized officials for missing an Oct. 21 deadline and submitting the proposal in early November without public input or institutional coordination. He challenged claims that Bulgaria was joining wealthy European nations when 87 percent of citizens earn less than 3,000 leva. Kostadinov noted the European Union poverty line stands at 1,500 euros.

The opposition figure also attacked the governing coalition for blocking his request to question Fiscal Council head Simeon Dyankov about statements regarding deficit concealment and delayed salary increases tied to eurozone entry requirements. Kostadinov warned that confirmed manipulation could trigger excessive deficit procedures by 2027, giving the European Central Bank control over national finances. He accused Prime Minister Boyko Borisov and Delyan Peevski of prioritizing personal interests over national welfare.