Discussion of Budgets 2026: SSO, NHIF, and State Budget

Message from a major Bulgarian news agency

Parliament Begins Discussions on Key Budgets for 2026

At today's session, the National Assembly began key discussions that will determine the financial outlook of the country in the coming years. The first focus of the program is the first reading of the Draft Law on the State Social Security Budget (DSO) for 2026. This budget is expected to have a significant impact on the lives of citizens, affecting pensions, benefits, and other social payments.

The Minister of Labor and Social Policy, Borislav Gutsanov, was present in the hall, which suggests that the government attaches great importance to the discussions. The MPs are ready to express their opinions and raise questions regarding the allocation of funds and the priorities of social policy.

The second key issue on the agenda is the Draft Law on the budget of the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) for next year. Debates on this budget are crucial for the future of the healthcare system and citizens' access to healthcare services.

The program for this week also includes the first reading of the Draft Law on the State Budget for 2026. This comprehensive document will determine the main directions of the country's financial policy, including expenditures on infrastructure, education, defense, and other key areas.

Of particular importance is the fact that the draft budgets have been prepared for the first time in euros. This is an important step in the country's preparation for the planned accession to the Eurozone from January 1st next year. Along with the technical aspects of the transition to the euro, this also reflects the profound political and economic changes ahead. The transition is expected to provoke detailed discussions, as the country will have to adapt to the new currency regime and meet the requirements of the European Union.