The National Assembly began Wednesday’s plenary session with a minute of silence in memory of MP Lyuben Dilov Jr., who died the previous day. The proposal was made by GERB lawmaker Toma Bikov, who described it as “the most difficult procedure I have ever carried out.” Parliament Speaker Mihaela Dotsova said Dilov-sin had left a lasting mark on Bulgarian public life.
Following a 30-minute break, lawmakers resumed debate on second-reading amendments to the so-called extended budget for 2026, proposed by the ruling Progressive Bulgaria (PB) parliamentary group.
One of the key proposals provides for a reduction in state subsidies for political parties. Under the draft, the subsidy would remain at 4.09 euros per valid vote until April 18 and then fall to 3 euros per vote from April 30 through the end of the year.
Presenting the changes, Budget Committee Chairman Konstantin Prodanov said the legislation would allow more than 800,000 pensioners receiving minimum pensions to benefit from the annual adjustment under the so-called Swiss rule from July 1 rather than waiting for the adoption of a full state budget.
Prodanov also addressed proposals submitted between the first and second readings of the bill. One involved raising the state debt ceiling to allow the Ministry of Finance to borrow additional funds amid what he described as a severe lack of fiscal reserves. However, after criticism from the opposition and legal concerns, PB withdrew the proposal.
