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

1.6 million Bulgarians work for wages below the cost of living

Photo: BGNES

BGN 1,454 (EUR 738) per month is needed for a working person to be self-sufficient and live according to Bulgarian standards. For a family of three, consisting of two adults and one child, the amount is BGN 2,616 (EUR 1,329), according to the Institute for Social Research of the Confederation of Independent Trade Unions of Bulgaria (CITUB). 

Still, a third, or more than 830 000, of the country's employees work for a salary of up to BGN 1 000 (EUR 500). More than 1.6 million people work below the living wage, according to union president Plamen Dimitrov. According to these indicators, Bulgaria is still at the lowest level in the EU. The minimum wage is 50% of the living wage, half of what it should be," Dimitrov said.



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

Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov supports the peace plan for Ukraine

“Borders cannot be changed by force, and Ukraine’s long-term security must be guaranteed”, Bulgaria’s Premier Rossen Zhelyazkov said during a videoconference meeting of the “Coalition of the Willing”, led by French President Emmanuel Macron and UK..

published on 11/26/25 8:57 AM

Bulgaria and China discuss cooperation in the automotive sector

Business forum on the topic "Bulgaria - China: cooperation in the automotive sector" is being held on November 26 in Sofia. Its organizers are the Bulgarian Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Embassy of the People's Republic of..

published on 11/26/25 7:30 AM

Draft budget 2026 sparks protests

The Bulgarian Industrial Capital Association has called for participation in a protest on November 26 against the budget for 2026, which is about to be adopted at second reading. "We call not only our members, but also all..

published on 11/26/25 6:50 AM