MPs finally raise maximum social security income
After a three-month delay, MPs finally adopted the state social security budget for 2025. Key measures are a new higher threshold for the maximum social security income, from 3,750 to 4,130 levs, which comes into effect on April 1. According to the Ministry of Finance's estimates, this will generate additional revenue of 225.8 million leva for the state this year.
The update also includes an increase of pensions under the Swiss rule from July 1 by 8.6%. The amount of all other social benefits remains the same - for unemployment, raising a child up to 2 years old, and childbirth benefits.
More than half of Bulgarians distrust election result
The last parliamentary elections last October were free and fair according to only 16.5% of Bulgarians, compared to 63.2% who think they were manipulated, reveals a survey by the Myara agency, conducted this month.
Only GERB supporters view the elections as free and fair. Machines turn out to be the preferred means of voting with 36.9% choosing them as against 17.3% favoring only paper, and 30.1% - both. Age, not party preference, turns out to be the decisive factor. A total of 52.3% of adult Bulgarians have a negative view of the Central Election Commission and only 19.9% have a positive impression; the rest are unsure.
Restaurant owners protest against reinstatement of 20% VAT rate
Representatives of the restaurant business protested today in various cities, threatening to block major arteries, over the planned return of 20% VAT for the industry,
Industry organizations say that the return of the 20% VAT rate, which was decreased to 9% during the pandemic, will lead to bankruptcies, boost the gray sector, and reduce revenues. Many have threatened to increase prices by 20% to offset the change.
MPs finally raise maximum social security income
After a three-month delay, MPs finally adopted the state social security budget for 2025. Key measures are a new higher threshold for the maximum social security income, from 3,750 to 4,130 levs, which comes into effect on April 1. According to the Ministry of Finance's estimates, this will generate additional revenue of 225.8 million leva for the state this year.
