Constitutional clash over the 2026 budget

Ombudsman Velislava Delcheva announced that by the end of next week she will refer the 2026 budget to the Constitutional Court (CC), requesting that the provisions regarding the minimum wage (MW) and length of service be declared unconstitutional.

"Such a significant change, affecting over 300,000 citizens, cannot be passed through transitional and final provisions without public discussion," Delcheva stated firmly.

The main points of contention are:

  • The removal of the current mechanism for calculating the minimum wage.
  • Changes to the length of service requirements for part-time workers (4 hours).

According to the public defender, these changes primarily affect mothers and people with disabilities who are unable to work full-time. Delcheva emphasized that such legislative actions violate the principle of the social state.

Other highlights from the Ombudsman's commentary:

  • National Children's Hospital: Lack of a clear timeline and concrete steps for its implementation.
  • High prices: Unconditional control by the state is necessary, as citizens do not feel a reduction in the cost of living.