Pension policy reversal: Government keeps COVID supplement following public pressure

Parliamentary debates on the extension of the 2025 budget brought an unexpected turn for Bulgarian pensioners. The ruling coalition announced that they are abandoning their intention to remove the COVID supplement during the pension adjustment based on the "Swiss rule" starting July 1.

Public sensitivity as a leading factor

"We are taking into account the public's sensitivity on this topic, as well as the findings based on additional financial analyses," stated Konstantin Prodanov, chairman of the temporary budget committee.

However, the opposition remained skeptical. "Vazrazhdane" described the move as a sign of "fear" and criticized the lack of measures against real inflation.

The problem with minimum incomes

Assen Vassilev from PP highlighted alarming statistics: after the adjustment, the minimum pension will be 347 euros, while the poverty line is 390 euros. According to him, 880,000 pensioners will remain below the survival threshold, as they will lack funds for basic necessities.

• Critical points: Dividing pensioners into groups before and after July 1, 2026, was labeled as discriminatory.
• Lack of reforms: Martin Dimitrov (DB) called for a clear plan to curb corruption schemes and public procurement, rather than focusing solely on "social engineering."
• Fiscal situation: Konstantin Prodanov compared the state budget to "Israel in the desert," emphasizing the need for precise targeting of social payments.

The debate concluded with calls to find mechanisms that do not disadvantage newly retiring citizens, as the topic remains key to the stability of the social system.