Podcast in English
Text size
Bulgarian National Radio © 2025 All Rights Reserved

Parliament adopts the 2023 budget at first reading

Photo: БГНЕС

Bulgaria's Parliament approved the 2023 state budget in the first reading with 156 votes in favor. The support came from GERB-SDS, PP-DB and DPS deputies. The "BSP for Bulgaria" and the parties "Wazrazhdane" and "There is Such a People" (ITN) voted against.
"This budget is not revolutionary, it continues the policies and best practices started in the last years. We have managed to maintain a 3 percent deficit for the third year in a row and to adjust spending to existing resources without affecting Bulgarian citizens," Finance Minister Assen Vasilev said.
Despite its support, GERB-SDS said that the budget does not solve a single problem and does not envisage serious reform.
According to BSP Chair Kornelia Ninova, the government's measures hinder the work of small and medium-sized enterprises.
The state plan envisages 69.5 billion leva (35.53 billion euros) in revenue. They are to come from better tax and fee collection by the tax and customs authorities, a 100 percent dividend from state-owned enterprises and economic growth of 1.8 percent. 
Expenditures are to amount to 74 billion leva, while social benefits are to be maintained - an increase in pensions according to the Swiss rule, a minimum wage of 780 leva and a poverty line of 504 leva are planned.



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

Renowned Bulgarian journalist Asen Grigorov has passed away

Asen Grigorov, a respected and recognisable voice in Bulgarian media, has passed away after a short illness. Known for his sharp analysis and fine irony, he was one of the country’s most distinctive journalists. Born in 1966, he began his career..

published on 5/23/25 3:04 PM

Four million Bulgarians will get free home tests for two types of cancer

The Ministry of Health is preparing a programme of home testing for colon and cervical cancer. According to BNR reporter Elena Beykova, the tests will be free and distributed by general practitioners and regional health inspectorates. The campaign is..

published on 5/23/25 2:52 PM

Rosen Zhelyazkov gifts Pope Leo XIV with a symbolic omophorion during a Vatican audience.

Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov presented Pope Leo XIV with a specially crafted omophorion during an audience at the Apostolic Palace in the Vatican. This liturgical vestment symbolizes spiritual and episcopal authority, according to the Council of..

published on 5/23/25 2:16 PM