site.btaTop Reasons for Bulgaria's Demographic Crisis: Low Birth Rate, Low Incomes, Migration

The top three reasons for the demographic crisis in Bulgaria are the low birth rate (25% of respondents), the low incomes (25%), and migration (15 %), shows a Trend survey into Bulgarians' attitudes towards the demographic crisis and emigration. The data were presented by political analyst Dimitar Ganev on Friday during a discussion on the demographic situation and the price of inequalities, organized by the Delegation of Bulgarian Socialists in the European Parliament. 

The survey was commissioned by MEP Sergei Stanishev. A total of 1,002 adult Bulgarians were interviewed face-to-face between September 5 and 11.

The respondents identified as other key reasons for the demographic crisis the lack of security (11%), high mortality rate (7%), political instability (6%), changes in the value system (5%), and lack of predictability (4%). Two per cent said they do not know or cannot say.

Asked what are the main factors for young people in Bulgaria to postpone having children, 76% of respondents noted low incomes, 52% lack of security, 27% lack of rules and laws, 26% social and value changes, 24% desire for career development, 19% lack of social services, 10% lack of places in creches and kindergartens, 10% lack of support from employers. Two per cent said they do not know or cannot say.

Regarding emigration, 66% said that they would not emigrate, as opposed to 27%. Seven per cent replied that they do not know or cannot say. Fifty-six per cent of those willing to emigrate said they would do it for better work opportunities, 12% for predictability of incomes, 9% for rules and laws, 7% for relatives, friends, or a partner, 5% for better education opportunities, 5% for better cultural and social environment, and 3% for security. Two per cent of respondents listed other reasons, and 1% said they do not know or cannot say.

Asked whether they would eventually return to Bulgaria after emigrating, 62% replied affirmatively. Sixteen per cent would not return and 22% do not know or cannot say.

Asked whether they support or not the economic migration to Bulgaria, 63% said they do not and 22%, that they do support it. Fifteen per cent said they do not know or cannot say.