Increase in complaints to the Ombudsman: 8,500 reports in just six months

The Ombudsman: Citizens seek protection against high bills and a lack of strategy

More and more Bulgarians are seeking help from the Ombudsman's institution. According to data from Velislava Delcheva, 8,500 complaints were filed for the first half of 2026, which is a significant increase compared to previous periods. This interest shows both trust and serious deficits in the work of the state administration.

"The institution has the resources to change things, but the state must stop solving problems piecemeal and develop a long-term strategy," stated Delcheva.

Main priorities and critical topics:

• Consumer rights: Crisis with the prices and quality of services from water supply, power distribution companies, and district heating.
• Social policy: Lack of updates to benefits for children with disabilities and pensioners despite inflation.
• Healthcare: Insufficient funding for assistive devices in the NHIF budget.
• Digital safety: Concerns regarding the proposal to ban social networks for children under 16.

Delcheva emphasized that a total ban on access to social networks is not a solution if it is not accompanied by a state policy for digital literacy. According to the Ombudsman, without systemic changes in the budget and a vision for the future, vulnerable groups in Bulgaria remain outside the focus of state support.