The day in 3 news: Maximum insurance base to go up, "No security threat to Bulgaria," say leaders, Imports and exports decline

The final number should be clear in November, when next year's budget will be voted on.

Denkov, Borissov and Magnitsky's Peevski play down security threat

Prime Minister Nikolay Denkov, GERB leader Boyko Borissov and DPS MP and Magnitsky sanctioned Delyan Peevski have said they believed there was no immediate danger for Bulgaria arising from the war in Israel, but called for greater vigilance around sites related to the Jewish community.

Their comments followed an almost two-hour presidential council between leaders of political parties and the security services to discuss the conflicts in Israel and Ukraine.

Earlier, President Rumen Radev had organized a consultative meeting in the presidency to which party leaders were not invited. Parliament Speaker Rosen Zhelyazkov, Interior Minister Kalin Stoyanov, Defense Minister Todor Tagarev, as well as Chief Secretary of the Ministry of Internal Affairs Zhivko Kotsev did not attend, although they were invited.

Imports, exports record marked fall

During the period January - August 2023, Bulgaria's exports and imports both decreased compared to the same period last year, the National Statistical Institute announced.

For the eight-month period, the country exported goods worth BGN 56.8 billion, 7.6% less than in the same period of the previous year. Imports amounted to BGN 63.9 billion, or 8.8% less.

Exports of goods to third countries decreased by 9.5% to BGN 19.3 billion, with a 40% drop in August alone. The drop in imports for the eight-month period was 18.9%, and its value was BGN 25.4 billion.