A heated parliamentary debate in Bulgaria has centered on changes to pension rules and budget-related measures that will take effect from July 1, with lawmakers warning that retirees will face uneven outcomes depending on their retirement date.
Under the amendments discussed at second reading of the “extension” law for the 2026 state budget, pensions will be increased by 7.8% through the so-called Swiss rule, which links adjustments to inflation and contributory income growth. At the same time, the 60 leva (30 euro) COVID-era supplement introduced during the pandemic will be abolished for people retiring after July 1, though it will remain in place for those already receiving pensions.
As a result, individuals retiring on July 1 will receive roughly 30 euros less than those who retired on June 30 with identical work history and income, due to the removal of the supplementary payment from new pension calculations.
The minimum pension from July 1 is set at 347 euros, while the indexation mechanism will continue to apply to existing pensions that already include the COVID supplement.
The debate also included a reduction of the state subsidy for political parties, which will drop from 4.09 leva (previously 8 leva) to 3 euros per vote. Officials noted that the change is part of broader fiscal consolidation measures, alongside discussions about freezing deputy salaries and reviewing public procurement and administrative spending.
