site.btaUPDATED There Will Be No Tax Increases, Social Benefits' Cuts, Labour Minister Gutsanov Assures

Speaking to reporters in the coastal city of Burgas on Sunday, Labour and Social Policy Minister Borislav Gutsanov assured that there would be no increases in taxes or fees, nor any form of tax hikes. "As for social benefits, they will be fully accounted for in every sector, meaning there will be no reductions in social funding. We have discussed this with the ministers, the Prime Minister, and the Finance Minister. So, in this regard, there will be neither tax increases nor cuts to social benefits," Gutsanov stressed.

He stated that the 2025 state budget would most likely be ready within the next week or two and assured that efforts were being made as actively as possible. "Once the Finance Minister is ready, she will make the necessary announcements. Work is progressing at the most active pace possible," Gutsanov said, adding that the government's management programme was also being drafted and would likely be completed within ten days.

The Labour and Social Policy Minister also commented on the National Assembly’s decision to raise the salaries of employees in the Ministry of Defence, the Ministry of the Interior, and teachers. "I personally voted in favour of these increases as a Member of Parliament, and I believe that the decision of the National Assembly must be upheld," Gutsanov said.

Gutsanov also commented on the bill tabled by the Bulgarian Socialist Party (BSP) – United Left coalition to the National Assembly, which proposes introducing a ceiling on markups on basic food products. According to him, there is a misunderstanding on the topic due to comments that it is unacceptable for the state to control the free market. The idea of the bill is to impose a maximum markup of 10%. "We want to introduce not a price ceiling, but a limitation on markups," the minister explained. Gutsanov further mentioned that negotiations with other parties in Parliament will begin next week to support the bill.

Regarding the view of Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Innovation and Growth Tomislav Donchev on cuts in the state administration, Gutsanov pointed out that Donchev is absolutely right. "We looked at a report on how the administration had increased in unknown ways over the last four years, and by very significant amounts. We will strive to reduce this administration," he added.

The briefing was also attended by National Assembly Chair Nataliya Kiselova. She pointed out that over the past two months, Bulgarian Parliament has been striving to restore its normal functions. "The BSP – United Left parliamentary group is part of the Parliament, and our goal is to seek support not only among members and sympathizers but also in a broader context. This meeting in Burgas is one of a series of discussions on what our stance should be regarding key issues vital to the country and its governance," Kiselova underscored.

Both Gutsanov and Kiselova are members of the BSP – United Left coalition, which is part of the ruling coalition alongside GERB-UDF and There Is Such a People.