PM Rosen Zhelyazkov: New Budget Procedure Will Take As Long As Necessary, the Aim Is to Ensure Consensus-Driven Debate

The new budget procedure will take as long as necessary. All proposals received from social partners, parties and the opposition will be considered. The aim is to ensure a consensus-driven debate in which every recommendation is considered and the voices of employers and trade unions are taken into account. This was stated by Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov following a meeting of the Council for Joint Governance and after it became clear that the government is withdrawing next year’s budget bill from Parliament.

Zhelyazkov announced that the automatic mechanism for increasing public-sector wages will be removed. The government will also revisit the proposed changes to dividend tax, as well as the planned 2% rise in social insurance contributions. All discussions at the Ministry of Finance, held within the tripartite format, will be public.

• Restart of the budget procedure

“We will cancel all proposals that have generated public concern – the concession for the state lottery, the guarantees for the Bulgarian Development Bank related to a potential acquisition of Lukoil,” the Prime Minister added. He said the capital investment programme will be carefully reassessed, particularly in defence and transport. Funding for municipalities will be safeguarded. “Our task is to have a 2026 state budget law adopted by the end of 2025,” Zhelyazkov stressed.

I have protested in 1990, 1996 and I support those people who protest for more rights and justice. I believe that the protest has not so much a political side, but more of a social, human side for the demand for more dialogue, more tolerance, and more harmony in the relationships in society.

The Prime Minister expressed support for the demonstrators:
“I protested in 1990 and 1996, and I support those who are protesting now for more rights and fairness. This protest is not so much political as social and human – a call for dialogue, tolerance and harmony in society.”

“This is clearly a protest of young people seeking their place in Bulgaria. We have a duty to listen to them and to ensure that the state’s resources are used to support them,” he said.

On the adoption of the euro, Zhelyazkov warned that it should not be taken for granted:
“This complex coalition, built by parties who were once opponents, was formed so that Bulgaria could complete its full integration into the EU.

The euro is not just an economic instrument – it is the final step in a process decided years ago. After more than 20 years of EU membership, we must not fail now, in the final weeks. December will be the most difficult political month, marked by social tension.”

He condemned the violence seen on the margins of last night’s protest:
“The provocations had nothing to do with the demonstration in front. Those who were breaking and vandalising tried to provoke clashes with the police – their aim was to spill blood. The organisers had no connection to these provocateurs.”

According to Zhelyazkov, the protest was not party-organised, despite attempts by some political forces to capitalise on it.

“The government is ready to debate the announced vote of no confidence. The debate will address both its stated grounds – the budget procedure – and the broader question of where Bulgaria is heading after 2026. We inherited a budget deficit of 18 billion leva,” he reminded.

“We will listen to the business sector so that the Bulgarian economy can operate calmly next year. We made the tactical mistake of not engaging with the social partners early enough, and we recognise that mistake, as well as allowing speculation over revenues and expenditures. I believe that those who share European values will stand with us on this difficult path. The political conversation does not end here, but as a society we must show wisdom and enter 2026 with stability.”

“At this moment, weeks before Bulgaria enters the eurozone, we cannot afford to be without a budget. When our political tasks are clear – as this one is – we have no right to sink halfway,” the Prime Minister concluded.

Earlier today, DEcember 2, the Council of Ministers withdrew the draft budget for 2026. In a decision taken in a closed siting, the government proposed that Parliament adopt a decision to withdraw the draft state budget for 2026, as well as the draft laws on the budgets of the National Health Insurance Fund and the state public insurance. The reversal came after last night's protest in Sofia, which escalated.