The MPs approved on first reading the amended bill for the budget of the State Social Security (SSS) for 2026 with 122 votes 'for', 89 'against' and no abstentions.
It was supported by GERB-SDS, 'DPS-New Beginning', 'BSP-United Left', 'There Is Such a People' and three non-members of a parliamentary group. Against were 'We Continue the Change-Democratic Bulgaria' (WCC-DB), 'Revival', 'Alliance for Rights and Freedoms' and 'Morality, Unity, Honor'. 'Velichie' did not participate in the vote.
The Minister of Labor and Social Policy Borislav Gutsanov commented that they are increasing the allowance for raising a child up to two years of age, which had been frozen for three years. "Why did no one do it until now?", he asked. In addition, Gutsanov noted that they are adhering to the Swiss rule for indexing pensions and are raising the minimum wage. "I beg you not to vote, I know you won't do it as the opposition, but at least be objective when commenting on the most vulnerable in Bulgaria, and don't make politics on their backs," the minister appealed before the vote.