Following the example of Bulgaria’s Prime Minister, Boyko Borisov, many local mayors announced they are drastically cutting the holiday expenses.

After Borisov banned the use of budget funds for the Council of Ministers Christmas celebrations, cards and gifts last week, the local authorities hurriedly decided they will follow in his footsteps with local administration celebrating only if they pay from their own pockets.

The only Mayor who defied the PM example is Tsonko Tsonkov in the Black Sea town of Kavarna, known at the Rock Capital of the Balkans. Tsonkov, who became famous precisely for making Kavarna popular as a rock venue, said he would organize a Christmas party for his staff and pay as usual by the “Social and Culture Services” fund.

All others are, however, competing to show off their ingenuity in saving budget money, Bulgarian media reports.

The newly elected Sofia Mayor and fellow PM party member, Iordanka Fandakova, announced the City Hall employees can celebrate on their own expense, followed by the Veliko Tarnovo Mayor, Rumen Rashev, who, in addition, banned all Christmas bonuses. The Governor of the Varna Region is also cutting bonuses, parties and all Christmas cards, except electronic ones. The Black Sea capital, known for its splendid Holiday decorations, would not spend anything on it this year with Varna’s City Hall ordered to use the decorations from last year.

The other Black Sea city – Burgas even plans to use the last year Christmas tree while asking private businesses for donations for Holiday decorations.