The KNSB trade union has begun nationwide protests, calling for public sector pay to rise by at least 10% in 2027 and for the state budget to cover the cost, the union said.

The first protest was in Varna. Staff of the Pencho Slaveykov Regional Library came out in front of the building, joined by KNSB vice president Todor Kapitanov.

The protest was a 10-minute warning action. People held placards reading "Inflation is rising, wages are not", "Our work is worth more", "We want fair pay" and "Decent pay for decent work".

The protests move to Shumen the next day and to Ruse the day after. Workers from agriculture, education and health care will join culture and communications staff.

KNSB estimates that a real 10% rise in the 2027 budget would cost just over €732m. This year's budget originally planned to freeze incomes. After union action, they were raised by 5%, but not for all workers.

"We are worried about next year's budget, because right now nobody is talking about an incomes policy," KNSB vice president Todor Kapitanov said.

He said there is no functional analysis showing where work is duplicated and where there are too few staff. The unions want to know how restructuring government bodies will improve services, not just how it will cut staff costs by 10%.

Kapitanov said food and fuel are getting more expensive, and people can buy less and less with what they earn. A young library employee starts on about €700 net a month. According to Kapitanov, that is not enough for housing, heating, food and clothes.

"The rise we are asking for will not improve families' lives. It will only try to make up for inflation," Kapitanov added.

The unions also want any merger of institutions that affects jobs and pay to be discussed in advance with the staff of the institutions involved.

Kapitanov said he hopes the demands will be heard and the authorities will make firm commitments.