From January 2026: Minimum Wage in Bulgaria to Rise by 12.6%, Reaching 620 Euros
The Bulgarian government has finalized the minimum wage for 2026, setting it at 1,213 leva (620.20 euros) per month, effective January 1
According to the latest survey by the "Mediana" agency, if elections were held today in Bulgaria, the GERB party would receive 24.5% of the vote. "Revival" (Vazrazhdane) follows in second place with 13.7%, while "We Continue the Change-Democratic Bulgaria" (WCC-DB) would garner 12.1%. The Bulgarian Socialist Party (BSP - United Left) is projected to receive 8.8%, with Ahmed Dogan's DPS (Alliance for Rights and Freedoms) at 8.7%, and "There Is Such a People" (TISP) at 7.0%. Peevski's DPS (New Beginning) is expected to secure 5.0%. This survey was conducted between October 8 and 13, 2024, involving 978 adults aged 18 and older through direct standardized interviews, and is representative of the country's adult population.
Interestingly, the survey reveals that 11.4% of respondents would choose "I do not support anyone," which indicates a significant portion of the electorate is disengaged. Meanwhile, "Blue Bulgaria" and MECH are projected to receive only 3% and 2.4%, respectively, placing them below the threshold for representation in the 51st parliament.
Sociologists from "Mediana" note that the upcoming elections could witness the lowest voter turnout since the onset of democratic reforms in Bulgaria. They estimate that approximately 1.9 to 2.1 million voters, or about 30% of those on electoral lists, are likely to participate. This trend indicates a broader withdrawal from political engagement among the electorate, as no single party has emerged as a focal point for voters' hopes and expectations.
Despite the anticipated low turnout, the sociologists suggest that forming a three-party majority government should not pose significant challenges. However, the stability and legitimacy of such a coalition, particularly in the eyes of the large segment of non-voting citizens, may be questionable. Additionally, the survey highlights that around 360,000 voters remain undecided ahead of the October 27 election, yet there appears to be no strong appeal from any party to attract these individuals.
Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov admitted that he does not consider the draft state budget for 2026 to be a good one, yet described it as the only feasible option under the current geopolitical and domestic circumstances
The Bulgarian government has approved the draft State Budget Act for 2026, along with the updated Medium-Term Budget Forecast for 2026–2028
GERB leader Boyko Borissov said he was certain that Bulgaria would obtain a derogation related to the application of US sanctions against Russian oil companies Lukoil and Rosneft
Starting today, Blagomir Kotsev officially resumes his role as mayor of Varna, putting an end to the period of substitution
Bulgaria is set to receive the third disbursement under the National Recovery and Resilience Plan before the end of the year
Sea trials have begun for Bulgaria’s first multipurpose modular patrol vessel for the Navy, marking another step in the modernization of the country’s maritime defense capabilities
Bulgaria's Strategic Role in the EU's Drone Wall Defense Initiative
When Politics Means Violence