The Bulgarian Parliament rejected a proposal to raise the second-year maternity benefit from 50% to 100% in cases where mothers return to work earlier than the end of the leave period. The amendment to the Social Security Code was backed by 70 deputies, while 118 abstained.
The initiative, introduced by “We Continue the Change” (PP), failed to secure broader parliamentary support, with the “Progressive Bulgaria” group largely abstaining and only one of its MPs voting in favor. The ruling majority ultimately ensured its rejection.
PP MP Venko Sabrutev argued that the measure was designed to support families and encourage labor market participation. “This is about 193 euros per month. Everyone benefits from this bill - young families will have more funds, and businesses will be happy that young people are returning to work,” he said, adding that “motherhood is not charity, but a right.”
From the opposing side, PB parliamentary group chair Petar Vitanov criticized the proposal and pointed to what he described as inconsistencies in the initiative’s timing and political framing. He said the current system is a “major social achievement” and stressed that maternity benefits are intended as income replacement rather than additional pay. “Cash benefits for pregnancy, raising and giving birth to a child are of a replacement nature and are intended to provide income for the person who cannot work until the child grows up,” he stated.
