GERB-UDF refuses support for budget adjustments
The parliamentary group of GERB-UDF has stated categorically that it will not support the measures proposed by the government through amendments to the budget extension law. MP Denitsa Sacheva pointed out that the cabinet is not offering a comprehensive vision, but is instead targeting the "most vulnerable" sectors.
"You cannot start with measures related to the budget from the most vulnerable. You can see that an interesting trend is being followed – cutting costs in culture, maternity leave, and COVID supplements," commented Sacheva.
Budget "crumbs" and the Botas agreement
Sacheva drew attention to the amount of savings from the removal of COVID supplements and the reduction of party subsidies. According to her, they are symbolic:
- COVID supplements: Removing them will save 2.9 million euros, which is equal to six payments under the Botas agreement.
- Party subsidies: Sacheva described them as "budget crumbs" and a "political hammer" against democracy.
The MP emphasized that these measures do not solve the structural problems of the budget, but are rather intended to "take away the oxygen of the opposition," leaving a loophole for funding from oligarchs or relying solely on the state apparatus.