Delyan Peevski, leader of the DPS, has backed a call by the Trade Union Federation of Interior Ministry Employees for higher pay in the 2027 budget. He set out his position on Facebook to mark 8 November, the professional day of the Bulgarian police.

The union also wants officers' social rights to be kept. Peevski said he fully backs both demands. The DPS wants the cabinet to find the money and hold real talks with the unions.

Peevski thanked police officers for their courage, professionalism and dedication in protecting people's lives, peace and safety. "Behind your service stand risk, hard shifts and families who share the price of your duty," he wrote.

The DPS leader believes decent pay and social rights for police are the state's responsibility to the people. He said the state must answer with respect, decent pay and security for officers and their families. He said officers' social rights were "won through struggle" and give them security and confidence as they do their duty.

According to the statement, the DPS has always defended decent pay and social benefits for police officers, soldiers and staff in the security sector. The party has opposed delays to agreed pay rises, pay cuts and the removal of rights. It says it will stay consistent now and will hold to this line when the 2027 budget is debated and adopted.

"It is unacceptable for you to be turned into a tool for dirty party games through the political leadership of the services," Peevski wrote to police officers.