No increase in taxes is planned for 2026. This was made clear from a statement by the leader of GERB, Boyko Borisov, who categorically stated that no changes in the tax rate are planned in the draft budget for next year. Increases in pensions and salaries are planned.
Finance Minister Temenuzhka Petkova explained that the 2026 budget will be submitted to Parliament by the end of the month. She also pointed out that sending the budget parameters to the European institutions is necessary because of the commitments that the country has as a member of the Eurozone.
Boyko Borisov explained that his party has not abdicated from power, but that this decision was dictated by the upcoming challenges related to the adoption of the first budget in euros. He stressed that the country has received confidence from its partners for joining the Eurozone and now this trust must be protected.
"Revenues will be higher, for pensioners over a billion more, for salaries over a billion and 200 more, taxes are not touched," Borisov emphasized.
Finance Minister Temenuzhka Petkova specified that the budget is currently being finalized and will be submitted to Parliament for discussion by the end of the month.
Minister Petkova stated: "The budget will meet all the requirements of our national legislation and, accordingly, the requirements within the EU. All Eurozone member states are obliged to provide the framework with the main assumptions related to the budget. But a budget, a Budget Law is not sent. The financial framework is sent in order to have some predictability."
Borisov again stressed the need for support from "their group," pointing out the key role of the majority in Parliament.
"To be honest, I have no fear at all. We invited their group, explained the goals and tasks to them. And they said everything that concerns the well-being of the people, they love this word - "for the people"_, we are ready to support it without entering power," the leader of GERB shared.
In response to comments that certain political forces are engulfing GERB, Boyko Borisov replied with irony: "Borisov is weak, Peevski is strong. The big D, the small b. It works for them somewhere, they amuse me enough. They are so worried about GERB, what greater joy for our opponents to eat us, to get rid of us. Petkov retired Asen Vasilev from politics with one decision."
In a subsequent statement, Borisov noted that everyone is surprised by the US sanctions on "Lukoil" and "Rosneft", and expressed expectations that the government will find a quick solution to this problem.
"It is good that there is a one-month deadline and I hope that by then Presidents Trump and Putin will agree on something, because otherwise this will be a problem, not for the refinery, but for the payment of gas stations. If they do not agree, this crisis will be the least of the evils that awaits us. War will knock on our door. I am not afraid of Radev, nor of Peevski, nor of any criminal, but I feel animal fear from the impending war," Borisov said.