On June 29, 2026, representatives from two major trade unions—KNSB and KT "Podpora"—gathered outside the building of the Council of Ministers to protest against the proposed state budget for 2026. The demonstration was held simultaneously with a meeting of the National Tripartite Council (NSTC), which was scheduled to discuss the draft state budget for 2026 as well as the budgets of the National Social Insurance Institute (NOI) and the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIK). The protesters expressed strong concerns over changes they believe will lead to reduced personnel expenses and a shift in the payment of social insurance contributions onto public sector employees.
The demonstrators demanded the repeal of the State Employee Law and related subordinate regulations, arguing that all workers in the administration should have equal rights and responsibilities. They also called for the cancellation of planned reductions in budget funds for salaries and income freezes, emphasizing the need for a thorough analysis of each institution's situation before considering layoffs. Additionally, they requested additional human resources for the most burdened administrations.
The protest featured a significant police presence, and some of the placards displayed messages such as "We want work, not hunger," "The state administration is not a cost, we are people and professionals," "We too are people, and we deserve sustainable income," and "How many billions of our taxes go into private pockets." Symbolically, the protesters hung a mannequin representing a state employee from the 2026 budget proposal on a scaffold and set it on fire, highlighting their dissatisfaction with the proposed changes.
According to reports, the Ministry of Finance had published the draft state budget for 2026 last week, projecting a deficit of 5.7 percent of gross domestic product (GDP). Among the measures aimed at fiscal consolidation, there is a freeze on personnel costs without anticipated increases tied to the rise in average or minimum wages, nor to collective labor agreements. It is estimated that this budget would save over 560 million euros.
The proposed budget also includes a phased introduction of personal social insurance contributions for civil servants and those under the Judicial Service Act. Starting August 1 of this year, the insurance burden will be split between the insurer and the insured person in a ratio of 80:20, and by 2027, this ratio will change to 60:40.
The KNSB and KT "Podpora" had previously held a press conference on June 24, expressing disagreement with proposed changes to the State Employee Law and parameters related to the personnel expenditure fund. They argued that the current version of the law primarily contains restrictions for those working in the public administration. Their main demands include the repeal of the State Employee Law and associated subordinate acts, as well as the cancellation of planned reductions in budget funds for salaries and income freezes.
The chief economist of KNSB and director of the Institute for Social and Trade Union Studies, Lyuboslav Kostov, criticized the budget, noting one of the main issues is the proposed reduction of staff in the state administration. He pointed out that while some areas require more personnel, others have inflated staffing levels that could be reduced. However, the directive issued appears to be a blanket 10% reduction everywhere without specific analysis.
Kostov emphasized that if reforms are to be implemented, all rights should be restored, including the "service time class" and the right to work under a second employment contract. He noted that the proposed cuts are not based on analysis but rather a uniform 10% reduction across all sectors. He stressed the importance of looking at objective facts and ensuring that any real income loss due to increased insurance payments is compensated by higher earnings.
He explained that currently, the net salary decrease due to insurance contributions is around 7%, but this does not account for inflation, which has already exceeded 6% and is expected to surpass 7% by the end of the year. For someone earning 1,000 euros brutto, this would result in a monthly deduction of about 21 euros, which would be lower than it was in spring compared to autumn.
Kostov also mentioned that the European Commission recently stated that the tax system is unfair and creates regression, warning that if no action is taken, this imbalance will be highlighted regularly. He noted that businesses have consistently advised against changing the tax system until the country joins the Eurozone and Schengen area. Currently, the country is the only one with a proportional taxation system without a taxable minimum, and a flat tax rate is designed for incomes, whereas corporate profit tax is progressive worldwide.
4 reports
Dnes.bgIndependentProgressiveFactual 85Objective 658 days agoThe Bulgarian trade union Confederation of Trade Unions (KNSB) and other labor organizations plan to hold a protest on June 29 against proposed changes in the draft 2026 budget. The unions argue that these changes would reduce personnel expenses and alter the way state employees pay their insurance contributions. They oppose the proposed amendments to the State Employee Law, which they claim impose restrictions on workers in the public sector. KNSB economist Luboslav Kostov criticized the budget for proposing a blanket 10% reduction in staff across all ministries without proper analysis, noting that some departments need more staff while others have excess capacity. The unions demand the repeal of the law and related regulations, as well as the cancellation of planned salary cuts and freezing of income for public sector workers.
Bias read (Progressive): The article presents the perspective of labor unions opposing government budget proposals that would reduce public sector employment and alter social security contributions. It emphasizes the unions' criticisms of the budget and their demands for policy changes, using language that frames the issue,
Why these scores (Factual 85 · Objective 65): Similar to the first article, this piece explains the protest actions and the reasons behind them, referencing the budget proposal and union demands. It includes specific figures and mentions the National Council for Tripartite Cooperation. While factual, it frames the situation from the perspective
24 ChasaIndependentProgressiveFactual 85Objective 6513 days agoThe Bulgarian government has announced plans to gradually increase the social insurance contributions of civil servants and judicial staff from 20% to 40%, aligning them with other workers in the country. This change will take effect starting August 1st, with compensation measures initially in place to offset any reduction in their disposable income. The move aims to ensure these employees receive higher pensions, maternity benefits, sick leave, and unemployment support. However, police officers, tax administration staff, and military personnel will remain exempt from paying social insurance, as their salaries would rise by 30%, which could strain the budget. Critics argue this policy risks mass layoffs and highlights concerns over inefficiencies and politically motivated appointments within the public sector.
Bias read (Progressive): The article frames the policy as a 'fiscal genocide' and criticizes the government for targeting public sector workers while highlighting inefficiencies and politically driven appointments. It emphasizes potential negative impacts such as mass layoffs and focuses on the burden placed on civil and司法官
Why these scores (Factual 85 · Objective 65): The article provides detailed information about proposed changes to insurance payments for public officials, including percentages and timelines. It references the National Insurance Institute and mentions compensation plans. However, it lacks direct quotes from official documents and presents some
Dnes.bgIndependentCenterFactual 80Objective 607 days ago The unions are protesting in front of the MC building against the draft budget.Trade unions representing public sector workers in Bulgaria protested outside the Council of Ministers building against the proposed 2026 state budget. The protesters argued that the budget would reduce personnel expenses and shift social security contributions onto public employees. The demonstration coincided with a meeting of the National Tripartite Cooperation Council discussing the draft budget and related institutions' budgets. The unions demanded the repeal of laws affecting civil servants to ensure equal rights and responsibilities across all administrative staff. They also opposed cuts to salaries, freezes on income, and layoffs without proper institutional assessments. Protesters called for additional staffing in overburdened administrations and highlighted concerns about tax money being diverted to private pockets. Police presence was heavy at the protest.
Bias read (Center): The article presents the protest and the union demands neutrally, without overtly favoring either side. It includes direct quotes from the protesters and provides context about the budget discussions happening simultaneously. There is no evident loaded language or one-sided sourcing.
Why these scores (Factual 80 · Objective 60): This article reports on protests by unions against the budget proposal, citing specific demands and concerns. It accurately reflects union positions and includes details about planned actions. However, it does not provide independent verification of the claims made by the unions, and the language ha
BTAState / PublicCenter7 days agoUnions from two confederations, KNSB and KT 'Podpora,' are holding a protest today at 14:00 in front of the Council of Ministers' building against proposed changes to Bulgaria's state budget for this year. The unions argue that these changes would reduce personnel expenses and shift the burden of social security contributions onto civil servants. At the same time, a meeting of the National Council for Tripartite Cooperation (NSTC) has been scheduled for the same hour to discuss the draft state budget for 2026, as well as the budgets of the National Social Security Institute (NSSI) and the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF). The unions are demanding the repeal of the State Employee Law and related regulations to ensure equal rights and responsibilities for all administrative workers. They also oppose cuts to salary funds and freezing income growth, emphasizing the need for a detailed analysis before any staff reductions and additional human resources for overburdened administrations. The Ministry of Finance published the draft 2026 state budget last week, which projects a deficit of 5.7% of GDP. Measures include freezing personnel costs, no increases in salaries tied to average,
Bias read (Center): The article presents both the union's opposition to the budget proposals and the government's plans without overtly favoring either side. It includes direct quotes from the unions and details the government's position, providing balanced coverage.
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