Ministry of Social Affairs

Pensions in Bulgaria will be increased by 9.6-9.7% from July next year, as per the Ministry of Finance's latest estimates, which are in line with the Swiss indexation rule. Initially, experts had predicted a smaller increase of 8.7%. As a result, the minimum pension is expected to rise to approximately 636-637 leva.

In the next 20 years, nearly half of Bulgaria's workforce is expected to be over the age of 55, reflecting a significant aging trend in the country. A study by the Bulgarian Chamber of Commerce (BCC) reveals that if this trend continues, the proportion of older workers could reach 48 percent, with two-thirds of the employed population representing older generations.

The government is set to discuss compensation for those affected by the recent major fires in Bulgaria. Acting Prime Minister Dimitar Glavchev announced that homeless individuals can be accommodated in hotels if they wish.

"The victims of the floods along the southern Black Sea should receive financial assistance within two months. From today, employees of the Ministry of Social Affairs are on the ground to conduct inspections and inform people about the application procedures". This was stated by Prime Minister Nikolai Denkov.

Finance Minister Asen Vassilev presented the parameters of the 2023 Budget. It is calculated based on average annual inflation of 8.7% and economic growth of 1.8%.

The deficit will be 3 percent, with capital spending severely cut from the cabinet's draft budget. The funds for the increase in pensions by 12% from July 1 have been secured, said Minister Vassilev.

82 thousand are the Ukrainian citizens who are on the territory of Bulgaria, according to data from the portal "Bulgaria for Ukraine".

61 thousand of them have the status of temporary protection, in hotels and accommodation there are 51 thousand and 300 Ukrainians.

Fathers in Bulgaria will now be entitled to paid leave of two months until the child reaches the age of 8 - this is provided by changes in the Labor Code, which are published for public discussion on the website of the Ministry of Social Affairs. The leave will be used all at once or in parts. Adoptive parents will have the same right to two months' leave.

Ladies in Bulgaria live longer, but their pensions are lower than those of men

The Ministry of Social Affairs said it was “thoroughly” investigating the case and that it had launched disciplinary measures against social workers in the town of Bitola who were in charge of assessing the boy, named Leon, whose age has not been revealed.