Podcast in English
Text size
Bulgarian National Radio © 2024 All Rights Reserved

Parliament approves budget update at first reading

Photo: BGNES

The MPs approved, at first reading, the update of the state budget. As of 1 July a differentiated VAT rate is being put in place – for bread VAT will be zero, for natural gas supplies – 9% instead of the current 20%. VAT on wine and beer served at bars and restaurants will be 20%, up from 9%, a reduction that was introduced during the pandemic. Pensions are to go up as well.

The budget is calculated at an economic growth of 2.9% and an annual inflation rate of 11.9%, even though, according to the National Statistical Institute, annual inflation now stands at over 15%.

The most heated debates in plenary were over the increase in the debt limit to EUR 5.1 billion. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Assen Vassilev gave as the reason for this the need to revolve old government debts. 



Последвайте ни и в Google News Showcase, за да научите най-важното от деня!
Listen to the daily news from Bulgaria presented in "Bulgaria Today" podcast, available in Spotify.

More from category

Vladimir Malinov

LNG terminal in Alexandroupolis is already contributing to competitiveness, says Bulgarian energy minister

The liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminal at Alexandroupolis, of which Bulgaria is co-shareholder, is already contributing to competitiveness in Greece and Bulgaria, but also in the entire region, said caretaker Energy Minister Vladimir Malinov after..

published on 10/9/24 11:45 AM

Japanese business delegation visits Sofia

At a meeting with the ambassador of Japan to Bulgaria Hisashi Michigami, Bulgarian President Rumen Radev welcomed the interest by the Japanese side in the investment and trade potential of Bulgaria. The meeting was attended by proprietors and..

published on 10/9/24 9:21 AM

Low taxes do not solve the state's budgetary problems: CITUB

Bulgaria is going to the sixth early parliamentary elections in less than 4 years, and this hinders the constructive debate and the ratification of an important convention prepared by the International Labor Organization (ILO) and accepted by 44 countries..

published on 10/7/24 2:30 PM