Health minister Katya Ivkova has proposed paying doctors who train as specialists in state-funded places 1,550 euros. She told reporters before a forum on demographics.

Young doctors have called a protest for this evening.

The ministry is working on a pay rise for them. Ivkova said their demands are fair and will be met.

She said she has been talking with young doctors since she took office and has given them her personal mobile number. She respects their right to protest, she said, because the country is a democracy.

"My commitment is to their future, not to anyone's political campaign," Ivkova said.

She hopes no one will use the young doctors' demands and their energy for political ends.

The online portal for trainee specialist job listings works technically, she said, but a change in the rules is needed before it can run fully.

Follow-up: Medical students and young doctors protest again over pay and training places