Budget 2026: Parliament adopts framework with 5.7% deficit – dispute over 17 million euros

The 2026 state budget has been adopted

Parliament has finally approved the state budget framework for 2026 at the second reading. With a total of 125 votes in favor from "Progressive Bulgaria", the bill was passed against the opposition of the other parliamentary groups, with the deficit set at 5.7%.

"In the current situation, it is not normal to make excuses for everything – from pensioners to mothers – that there are no funds, yet for Ukraine, it turns out you do," commented Angel Georgiev from "Vazrazhdane".

Key points from the debate:

• Funds for Ukraine: The proposal to redirect 17 million euros intended for Ukraine to Bulgarian communities abroad was rejected.
• Student scholarships: Demands for an increase in scholarships, the minimum threshold of which (21 BGN) has not changed since 1999, were not accepted.
• Institutional budgets: The budgets for the judiciary, the presidency, the ministries, BNT, BNR, BTA, and the municipalities were approved.
• Technical equipment: The request for an additional 2 million euros for the State Agency for Technical Operations (SATO) was rejected.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Galab Donev was present in the plenary hall as deputies continue to vote on the remaining provisions of the bill.