The Fiscal Council expressed serious concern regarding the growing budget deficit of Bulgaria in the first quarter of 2026. According to the analysis, the sharp deterioration of the budget balance signals an accumulation of fiscal imbalances.

The deficit for the month of March, cumulatively, reaches 1.5 billion euros (1.2% of GDP), the highest value in the last 15 years. For March alone, the deficit is 1.7 billion euros (-0.8% of GDP), the highest value since 2007.

The reasons for the increase are mainly in the expenditures under the consolidated fiscal program (CFP), which have increased to 11.5 billion euros (compared to 9.6 billion euros in March 2025). The increase is due to social and health insurance payments, personnel expenses, and capital expenditures. Salary and pension indexations, as well as the implementation of investments under the National Recovery Plan, are key factors.

Minister Klisurski shares the concerns of the Fiscal Council, warning of the need for difficult decisions to optimize public spending in 2026, in order to preserve the country's good fiscal position.