Bulgaria withdraws 2026 budget proposal following street protests

Contributing sentiments towards policy:

52% : Opposition and business groups have warned that higher taxes, increased social security contributions and planned expenditure increases foreseen in the budget could restrain investment and expand the shadow economy.
49% : The surprise move was announced by the leader of the ruling center-right GERB party, Boyko Borissov, who asked the government to restore dialogue with employers and labor unions to reach consensus on the state finances.
48% : Opponents of the budget argued that the plan to increase spending would have been financed primarily through higher taxes on businesses and workers, as well as a sharp rise in public debt.
47% : Earlier this week, the European Commission warned that Bulgaria's draft budget risked breaking the EU's recommended cap on net expenditure growth, while the International Monetary Fund urged the Balkan country to pursue a tighter fiscal policy.
43% : SOFIA, Bulgaria(AP) -- Bulgaria's government announced Thursday that it is withdrawing its 2026 draft budget, following street protests at home over steep tax increases included in the budget, and warnings from abroad.
43% : The disputed budget included increases in social security contributions and the doubling of the dividend tax.
23% : Protesters also demanded full transparency in public spending and criticized record-high government spending of some 46% of GDP planned for next year.

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